A CHARITY which has ensured thousands of older Scots forced into isolation during lockdown have not gone without critical food supplies is expanding its lifeline services to people in Dumbarton.

Food Train, which has in recent weeks seen unprecedented national demand for its work to help over-65s who are unable to manage independently – many of them disabled or suffering from ill health – is encouraging people to register for a new home shopping service.

Food Train Connects, which launched on Monday – the beginning of Volunteers Week – will match volunteers with older people who need help getting their weekly groceries on a one-to-one basis.

It is a move which the charity hopes will be of benefit in expanding the reach of its work to help those in places including Dumbarton and Clydebank where it does not currently have a physical branch but where it knows there is a demand for such an operation.

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It is working with third sector contacts in the area to support matching those who sign up for shopping with volunteer shoppers.

Food Train Connects is an extension of the organisation’s award-winning shopping and delivery service, where teams of volunteers deliver van-loads of groceries to many people and store them away if needed.

It will see over-65s matched with a specific volunteer shopper in their area who will carry out weekly grocery trips for them.

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Morna O’May, national development officer with Food Train Connects, said demand from older people needing help with their shopping has never been greater because of the restrictions.

She added: “Our volunteers are making a real difference to lives by getting support to those who need it.”

For more details, email shopping@thefoodtrain.co.uk or call 0800 3047924.