Kirkcaldy gran supports community with soup for the second time in new lockdown

Sheila Clark (83), from the Linktown, sprang into action last year at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic by preparing over 70 meals at a time to help families and vulnerable people in her area.

As the nation yet again isolates to curb the spread of the virus, Sheila has dusted off her huge soup pot to support people as more families face food poverty in the town.

Sheila said: “I’ve been making the meals again to help Linktown Community Aid, and to also encourage vulnerable people to stay at home.

"I’ve lived in the Linktown for nearly 83 years and the local community really means a lot to me, it’s nice to help out when you can.

"My soup is so easy to make and I can make roughly 48 portions for about £6, for a normal household it wouldn’t even cost a fraction of that.”

Lizzy Halstead, Sheila’s daughter and Linktown Community Aid volunteer, said: “My mum really enjoys making the meals and at the same time being able to help others.

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"I feel for her and all of the other older folk, being cooped up in their homes and not being able to get out and about, even a trip to the shops can be fraught with problems, so Linktown Community Aid tries to help them in any way that it can.”

With her work with Linktown Community Aid, Lizzy has noticed a steady rise in the number of people needing support.

"We have been getting more and more requests for help from all over Kirkcaldy,” she adds. “We help anyone who reaches out to us by either referring them to the relevant agency in their area, or if there is none we directly support them ourselves.

"The community has really come together again, a lot of people have been donating food so we can make the meals and lunch packs, it’s greatly appreciated and we welcome any donations of food or cash to make sure that we can continue making meals for vulnerable people in the community.”

For more information please visit: Tenants and Residents Linktown Kirkcaldy

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