Coronavirus: Kirkcaldy charity hands out survival packs as doors close

Kirkcaldy charity Nourish will hand out survival packs to its group members after closing its doors to protect vulnerable people in the community.

The family support network for people with additional needs has halted all of its groups that run through the week to shield its members from infection from coronavirus.

The survival packs will include dry and tinned food, toiletries and hygiene products, toys and other essential items to help families that are struggling to cope after self-isolating to protect their loved ones.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-fife-positive-cases-rise-2502384

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-kirkcaldy-parks-half-marathon-2020-cancelled-2503084

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/kirkcaldy-foodbank-appeals-urgent-help-coronavirus-puts-strain-service-2485227

Lynne Scott, Nourish’s manager said the decision to close the group was not taken lightly.

And, with the recent events of people panic buying it is making it harder for people with additional needs families to get the supplies that they need.

Lynne said: “It’s particularly worrying for families who have children with health conditions because they are already having to self-isolate. They aren’t isolating because they are unwell, – they are genuinely worried about the wellbeing of their kids.

“They are already struggling to get to the shops, and when all the items are selling out, and on the rare occasions when people are able to go to the shops, the shelves are bare. It is really frightening.”

Lynne’s son Adam suffers from a chromosome abnormality which results in him having several health issues including difficulty breathing, epilepsy, recurring chest infections, blindness and limited mobility, meaning that he is one of the most vulnerable people to coronavirus.

“He has a two to one care package which means that he has two carers everyday.

“That allows my husband and I to go out and work – but because we don’t want to expose Adam to people coming in and out the house we have asked that they stay away for the time being.

“Even though I will struggle to look after him on my own I would rather do that for the next couple of weeks than put him at more risk.”

With Nourish’s support groups stopping, Lynne is expecting families to seek extra help as more businesses and services close their doors.

She said: “In the last few weeks, we have had a big rise in requests for foodbank vouchers. To suddenly close our doors is going to have a big impact on those families.”

“We feel it is absolutely the right decision to close our community groups.

“But we are trying to do what we can to give some support to the families who need it most.”