A “one stop shop” for help has been developed for the people of north-east Fife.
The North East Fife community hub will run from St Andrews United football and social club on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
It has been set up by a group of local people, organisations and voluntary bodies to help those in the local community who may need a helping hand.
The concerned locals recognised a growing need to do something as an expanding elderly population struggle against loneliness and many families find it hard to make ends meet.
As well as offering affordable food, it is also a meeting hub for many different events, including activity days for youngsters.
It also runs a clothes bank and and other organisations which can give help and advice to those who need it are at the hub regularly.
With many finding it difficult to know where to source help, the hub wants to be a one stop shop for aid.
Project manager Jill Anderson said: “It was just a group of local people who came across the need for this.”
She said that already lots of outlets, including Marks and Spencer and Pret a Manger, were giving food donations. Morrison’s has donated vouchers.
“Often, people have nowhere to go during the day and now they can drop in for a tea or coffee or lunch and see new faces.
“There’s quite a lot of older people, but we are also having younger people coming in.”
Many look on St Andrews as affluent, but according to Jill, there are the same problems prevalent there as other areas, and in some cases they are even worse.
“St Andrews is seen as a wealthy area but, for example, rent for properties is super-dear.”
The group engaged in a lot of community consultation to find out what people wanted and needed.
“Affordable food came out quite strongly.
“People are struggling to be able to afford a decent and healthy meal.
“We are using the food donated to us and vouchers and making meals.
“And we are just asking for a donation of whatever they can afford,” she said.
Currently working on a business plan to become sustainable, the hub will be officially launched in September.
