Kirkcaldy community groups stand ready to support people in January lockdown

They are prepared to give assistance to people in the town who may be vulnerable or shielding and are unable to access vital essentials – despite facing another hit to their own fundraising and finances.

Mandy Henderson, manager of Linton Lane Centre said: “ Lockdown will cause 80 per cent of our income to cease when we had only been able to bring in 60% of our yearly income in level three.

"It is worrying to lose this amount of income. We are trying as hard as possible not to face redundancies of staff, but what we don't know at this point is how many of our groups will make it back in 2021.

Mandy also raised concerns over the mental health and wellbeing of some of the groups that use the centre.

“We managed to have them back in the centre twice in the last nine months, but the company that they give one another is so so missed and essential to their wellbeing.

“We will remain open for Kirkcaldy Foodbank, and we will support the needs of the community as much as can. “She urged locals to check the centre’s Facebook page for details on extra fresh food or hot soup for take away and one person to collect.

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Similar challenges face Nourish which helps families with additional support needs.

Lynne Scott, manager, said: “Lockdown means more challenges and difficulties, but we know it’s for the best.

“We have been preparing for this since last year and plan to do what we can to continue supporting families, whilst keeping ourselves, our staff, volunteers and service users safe.

"Our main sources of support will now be delivered online, and over the next couple of days we will announce our programme of activities. Online support works for some people, but not everyone is comfortable with being on camera, so for those families we will call and text to do what we can to keep in touch. This is the time again when we all need to make sure we’re checking in on each other in a safe way.”

Linktown Community Aid is also preparing food supplies and deliveries to people who are shielding.

Lizzy Halstead, community volunteer, said: "We will be restarting hot meals that will be available to collect from Philp Hall, if anyone can’t get out to collect due to special circumstances we will deliver locally to them.”

Kirkcaldy YMCA has stopped all face-to-face services unless the person involved is deemed to be highly vulnerable.

Liz Easton, general secretary said: “We are hoping to be part of the efforts to provide Fife Council’s Cafe Inc to provide lunches for kids in the area and will be offering online and telephone support to children and young people we mentor.

"We will also be providing online and telephone support vulnerable people and at risk adults in the community.

"Following guidance we are waiting to see if we can keep the Gallatown Bike Hub open for repairs only.”

For more information please visit: Linton Lane Centre, Nourish Support Centre, Tenants and Residents Linktown Kirkcaldy, Kirkcaldy YMCA

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