On a daily basis volunteers from various organisations have been linking up and working together along with the housing association to help sort food parcels, uplift prescriptions, and prepare and deliver hot meals to those who are self-isolating or shielding during the strict lockdown measures.

Volunteers have also been checking in with people and keeping their spirits up through regular phone calls, while also finding out if they need any assistance. The selflessness and kindness of the volunteers is a testament to the wonderful community spirit that has always been so evident in the wider Springburn and Possilpark area.

Progrez preparing hot meals

ng homes has extended its thank to the volunteers who are working tirelessly to support the North Glasgow community during this crisis, namely:

• Springburn Parish Church
• Possobilities
• Baby Food Bank
• Salvation Army (Springburn)
• Young Peoples Futures
• Partick Thistle Charitable Trust
• Brunswick Centre
• Glasgow Afghan United
• African Challenge Scotland
• Glasgow Chinese Recreation Centre
• Sunshine Wishes Charity

ng homes has received £81,198 of support from the National Lottery Community Fund to allow for the provision of food parcels and hot food for those in need in the community, and allow two dedicated ng homes staff members, Ronnie Black and Dominic McInally, to carry out this vital service.

Neil Ritch, Scotland director of National Lottery Community Fund, said: “In these uncertain times our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups. I would like to congratulate ng homes on their award, theirs is an important project which will help people get through the current crisis and a great example of how our grant holders are stepping up to support their communities.”

Additional support has been given by the Scottish Government with an award of £30,000. The funds will support the project for one year and ng homes will work to support tenants and the wider community.

One of the many comments of appreciation for the key service that has been provided by ng homes and partner organisations come from one tenant who said: “I can’t thank you enough for the food parcel and the hot meal that I get every day. The people who deliver them are just so friendly. I have been feeling quite lonely and anxious and the telephone calls really help, it’s good to have someone on the end of a phone who cares.”

Elected members across the area have been at the forefront supporting their constituents and providing vital information.

Bob Doris MSP said: “Our communities in North Glasgow have come together in the most wonderful way to help those in great need at this hugely challenging time. My heartfelt thanks to everyone - the housing associations, youth groups, churches, local traders and various community organisations. Many locals have volunteered to ensure that food, medicines and other essential items have been delivered to struggling households in recent weeks. With 100,000 new claimants for Universal Credit in Scotland in just 5 weeks, that amount of need is likely to grow and be with us for some time. I am privileged to play my part working with so many inspiring people in the communities I am proud to represent.”

John Thorburn, chairperson of ng homes, added: “It is incredible to see community members and local organisations come together to support the wider community during these challenging times. I’d like to thank all the hardworking volunteers and staff members who are supporting customers and the North Glasgow community.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.