Christmas delivery brings cheer

The project is seen as a model for other communities

By Michael Lloyd For BBC News Online Scotland

A volunteer army is helping hundreds of house-bound people in Dumfries and Galloway by bringing them groceries and companionship.

The Food Train has become so successful, that it is now being funded by the Scottish Executive and touted as a model for self-help schemes in other rural communities.

Jean Mundell, who has worked with the project from the start, said the idea arose out of a survey.

She said: "I was involved in doing a survey and one of the things we discovered was house-bound people were hanging baskets outside their doors to get their groceries from the travelling shop.

The scheme is on the lookout for new volunteers

"Gone are the days when granny lived at the end of the street; young people nowadays have to move away to get jobs."

Making up for the missing family support are the Food Train volunteers who call twice a week, once to collect an order and once to deliver the groceries.

Michelle McCrindle, now development officer for the project, has been a volunteer herself and knows how valued they are by the housebound.

She said: "Maybe you're the only person they are seeing in a week, and because you are not working to a strict timetable you can stop to chat."

That chat may bring to light other problems which Food Train visitors can help solve, by contacting neighbours, relatives or even the local GP.

Vital service

"We fill a gap," said Jean, who is hoping to develop the service to cover the whole region within three years.

Using £42,000 recently won from the Scottish Executive's Better Neighbourhood Services Fund, the Food Train is expanding from its Dumfries base.

Recently an office was opened in Stranraer, with the support of the local councillor, and Newton Stewart is next to be targeted.

The Food Train volunteers call twice a week

"Dumfries and Galloway covers an enormous geographical area," Michelle said, "and you can be as much as 30 miles from the nearest shop."

The scheme has also aroused interest from other rural districts.

"We've had an enormous response from every corner of Scotland," Michelle said, "in terms of social care and social inclusion we are playing a very important role."

The success of the Food Train comes down to the willingness of the volunteers, coupled with the support of the local supermarkets, according to Jean.

"It is costly for the supermarkets to make up the food parcels, more expensive than just putting the groceries through the till."

Jean and Michelle say they are always on the lookout for new volunteers and anyone wanting to help should get in touch by calling 01387 269161.