GHA tenants and staff set up food bank to help people in need

GHA tenants helped set up a food bank to provide emergency support to people in crisis.

tenants and staff set up a foodbank in GHA Barmulloch office

GHA’s office in Barmulloch runs a small food bank – called a ‘Take it or Leave it Box’ – where tenants in hardship can get help.

The emergency supplies, including food and toiletries, are for people in real need and can help tide them over until their first delivery of food from GHA’s Eat Well service arrives or until their local foodbank opens.

Staff came up with the idea and chipped in their own money to buy items to set it up.

And when tenants heard about it they got involved big time.

One tenant filled his car boot and dropped off £200 worth of items at the office.

Tenants at the nearby amenity block at Torryburn Close also made a donation – and the idea took off.

One tenant said: “I just wanted to help. I know what it’s like to have nothing.

“I worked all my days and now, if I can help anyone, then I will.”

Bob Roxburgh, from Torryburn Close, said: “We thought staff at the GHA office collecting food was a brilliant idea.

“We wanted to do something to help as a community.

“Our committee, on behalf of the residents, agreed to make a donation and we’ll try and do that regularly.

“It’s good that this community can help its own. There’s such food poverty these days. It’s shocking.

“Every wee bit helps.”

Laura McElhinney, GHA Locality Director, added: “This is a great example of GHA tenants and staff working together to help people who are struggling.”

GHA has a wide range of services to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Welfare benefits advisors can help tenants claim all the benefits and tax credits they are entitled to, while fuel advisors can give tenants expert advice on cutting their gas and electricity bills.

Tenants can get free recycled furniture through the Home Comforts scheme and help to put food on the table through Eat Well.

Tenants who need support should talk to their housing officer.

Pictured are tenants Jimmy Wilson and Bob Roxburgh with GHA's Adam Bell at GHA's Barmulloch office.

Friday, January 24, 2020