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Hot meal service reaches more than 1000 people as Thurso community response continues


By Alan Hendry

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Hazel Dunbar, one of the volunteer face-covering makers.
Hazel Dunbar, one of the volunteer face-covering makers.

From making face masks to distributing magazines, as well as delivering hundreds of hot meals to those in need, volunteers in Thurso are continuing to fulfil a range of public-spirited tasks in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT) says requests for support for residents in Thurso, Halkirk and Caithness West have now surpassed four figures and its hot meal delivery service has reached more than 1000 people.

When Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon advised wearing face coverings while going to shops, volunteers in the Thurso area went straight to work making practical and stylish coverings to keep volunteers safe.

Lindsay Broomfield – part of the NHS Scotland group For the Love of Scrubs – and her team of makers, as well as Thurso resident Helen O’Rourke, helped to make 400 coverings. These are now available to those who are giving their time to help others in the community.

Thanks to Ice and Fire Distillery, a hand sanitiser refill station is available outside Thurso Youth Club each Wednesday and Friday morning between 10.30am and noon and members of the public as well as volunteers are able to top up their own containers to keep themselves protected while on the move.

TCDT is using local and national radio stations and free opportunities from STV as well as regular newspaper and online updates to make sure everyone in the community is aware of the support available.

With funding from Foundation Scotland’s Community Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund, the trust was able to produce a special edition of its quarterly community magazine to be delivered to 5000 homes in Thurso, Halkirk and Caithness West. A team of volunteers distributed more than 3500 copies on the first day of delivery.

Trust chairperson Helen Allan said: “Seeing 50 volunteers respond so quickly, first offering to help deliver the magazine and then have their rounds completed within the day, was just incredible. We hope everyone enjoys the magazine.”

As a result of the funding from Foundation Scotland, the trust is able to offer community assistance grants to help people struggling with energy or communication costs.

These costs will have increased for many during lockdown and, with people facing a reduced income, TCDT is keen to support those who would benefit from some help.

Donations from the public of items such as jigsaw puzzles and books have allowed wellbeing packs to be made up to for distribution initially to those who have been assisted by TCDT. Arts and crafts activities will be distributed from this week along with some special project packs.

Funding was secured from the Scottish Government's Supporting Communities Fund for TCDT as a community anchor organisation.

Development manager Joan Lawrie said: “There are many organisations doing amazing work locally and we’re excited to be able to offer financial support and to work together for the good of the community. We’re really keen to work in partnership with other organisations and encourage them to get in touch with me to discuss the possibilities.”

Community assistance grant information and application forms are available on the trust website. www.thursocdt.co.uk

The number to call for support in Thurso, Halkirk and Caithness West is 01847 867050.


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