‘Thank you’ from staff at Kirkcaldy’s Cottage Family Centre

Lisa Penman, Debi Palfrey and Gemma Douglas from team 3 Social Work Children and Families in Kirkcaldy who along with their team mate John (not pictured) helped give practical support to families

Thanks to donations to the Cottage Family Centre during this lockdown period, hundreds of children and families in the Lang Toun have benefitted from people’s generosity.

Staff at the centre in Cawdor Crescent wish to thank everyone who has donated money, groceries, toys and those who have volunteered their time to help since the Covid-19 crisis began.

Donations have meant that vital supplies of food, essential items and support have continued to those who need them most.

Holland and Barrett staff from the Kirkcaldy High Street store donate items to the Cottage Family Centre

Pauline Buchan, manager of the Cottage, said: “We just wanted to take time to thank each and every person who has helped in some way – no matter how small or big.

“It all makes a massive difference to people we help on your doorstep.

“There’s a lot of negative news about at the moment, but we have seen such generosity and kindness from the local community.

“We have been totally blown away by it and are so, so grateful for everyone who has helped us keep going and support our families.

Kids Melissa and David Williamson donated their Links Market Money to help which was doubled by Green’s in Markinch.

“The strength of community spirit never ceases to amaze us all.

“It’s a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone, but for the vulnerable, worries and concerns are heightened – so it’s vital we are still here to help them.

“Although those who use the Cottage can’t get to us, we have been finding new ways to help them, whilst following Government guidance.”

Since the beginning of the lockdown period the charity has had to change the ways in which it supports those who need help, including regular phone calls from support workers instead of face to face contact, making up food parcels and offering packed lunches for families struggling to feed their children and themselves.

Help from volunteers and working together with Fife Council Social Work and Criminal Justice staff is ensuring families get the support they need.

Pauline continued: “We, like everyone else, have had to adapt quickly because our families need us more than ever.

“There has been an unprecedented demand for items like food and essential items as you’d expect.

“But self-isolation brings additional challenges and issues for vulnerable children and families making what our support workers do more important than ever.

“We need to keep going and get our families through this so anything the community can continue to do to help us would be really welcome.

“As the weeks march on, the need gets greater so we have to work harder.

“The support we’ve had already from the local community, everyone who has volunteered and staff from Social Work and Criminal Justice has helped us so much and we’d like to pay tribute to them all.

“We couldn’t do it without you and it’s kept us all going.

“If anyone wants to help, I’d urge them to get in touch with us through our Facebook page as we would be delighted to hear from them.”