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A YOUTH support charity has donated money to help support a Dumbarton food bank during the coronavirus outbreak.

Includem has donated £500 from its reserves to Food for Thought to help see them through the Covid-19 emergency.

Martin Dorchester, Includem’s chief executive, said: “Demand for food banks is higher than ever at the moment, but many are really struggling due to the restrictions placed on people’s movements.

“We know what a vital service they provide for families and young people and we wanted to do something to help them continue to provide this support.”

Includem works with young people across the country who are experiencing challenges dealing with day-to-day living.

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It offers tailored intensive support to build confidence and social skills to help them progress towards better lives.

The food bank’s Emergency Food Aid programme helps residents in the area who are struggling financially and need advice from their team, and their Help to Buy initiative offers support to anyone who cannot access fresh shopping and produce.

Includem currently works with around 300 young people offering one-to-one support to help turn their lives around.

A spokesperson from Food for Thought said: “We would like to thank Includem for their ongoing support. This will really help us in our response to food insecurity around Covid-19.

“We are still accepting food and monetary donations from the community.

“These can be dropped off at our office at St Augustine’s Community Hall between 10am and 4pm.”