Why Kirkcaldy YMCA is a beacon of light in dark days of lockdown

The YMCA in Kirkcaldy is pulling out all the stops to ensure that anyone who needs support in the town is not forgotten about.

Since the start of the lockdown the charity have been delivering prepared meals to families and individuals every Thursday and Friday. It delivered 183 meals every day last week - a significant rise on 71 meals and 48 soup packs in its first week of operation

Liz Easton, general secretary said: “We have remained active from the onset of lockdown with staff switching quickly to online and phone support services.

“They have worked together to look at various ways we can support members of our community, helping them at this very difficult time. It is important that we support people to retain their resilience and ability to cope given the increased issues that many are facing.

The YM has been backed by funds from organisations including Community Foundation, Inspiring Scotland, Scottish Equity, The HUB Community Foundation and Neighbourly, who also support us with food donations.

Added Liz: “These funds have allowed us to react very quickly. Without them it just would not have been possible to deliver this crucial support.

“Staff from various Kirkcaldy YMCA projects are working together alongside staff from Pathhead Primary School and others, to make sure that families aren't missed out and we can reach those most in need.”

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The YM has also been helping people struggling during lockdown with other vital essentials.

“We have been distributing gift cards for people and families in need, along with mobile phone top ups and helping people access fuel top ups via Cosy Kingdom which is keen to help people in need of support,” said Liz.

“We also have some funding in place to supply much needed tablets to families to allow kids to do their schoolwork and stay connected which is hugely important, provided through funding from Greener Kirkcaldy’s Supporting Communities Funding.”

The YMCA is also ensuring that people still have mental health support through its online Talking Cafe Mental Health Support Group.

Jo Cairns, a development worker said: “It has 35 people taking part, who are enjoying being able to engage with others and have started helping each other out.

“One person raised the issue that ‘they only had one television in the house and the kids were always arguing over it’. One of the other chat group members offered them a spare TV that they had. It has been great to see this kind of neighbourly support happening.”

The YMCA is also running a watercolour project for older adults who may be living alone or live in sheltered housing. Kits include watercolour paints, paper pads, drawing pencils and started exercises to get people painting, with people sharing their artwork and supporting each other on social media.

The Gallatown Bike Hub has also reopened to provide free bike repairs for essential workers during the pandemic after receiving £1900 from the Big Bike Revival.

The Bike Hub is open to appointments only from Wednesday to Friday.

For more information contact the Kirkcaldy YMCA on 01592 645530.

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