A DUMBARTON food bank has revealed increasing members of the public struggling with isolation have been getting in touch.

Lorraine McLeish, of Food 4 Thought, which is based at St Augustine’s Church, said staff and volunteers have also noticed more people experiencing stress in lockdown.

They said: “Our phone lines are really busy at the moment and we are finding that’s partially down to the fact people just want to chat with staff and volunteers.

“We’re doing our best to accommodate this or forward people on to befriending services.

“But we have definitely seen an increase in people feeling much more isolated. Also, we have people experiencing a high level of stress as they’ve never had to use a food bank before.”

And with Mental Health Awareness Week running last week, charity workers have been acutely aware of their role to promote the campaign theme of “kindness”.

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The spokesperson added: “Our team is taking every step to ensure service users feel comfortable including with our delivery service by maintaining a degree of anonymity for people using the food bank.”

Suicide prevention charity Samaritans Scotland has also recognised the negative effects that lockdown can have on people’s mind, on top of already worrying about other things, such as buying food, paying bills and job security.

The group last week launched a new self-help app, which features a mood tracker that allows people to record how they feel and recommends evidence-based coping techniques.

Rachel Cackett, Samaritans Scotland executive director, said: “Finding ways to show kindness to ourselves and look after our wellbeing is so important during this challenging and uncertain time.

“With access to face-to-face support services and networks limited, digital resources like this have a vital role to play in supporting mental wellbeing.

“Our new self-help tool provides another channel of support for anyone who may be struggling, featuring practical, evidence-based techniques and exercises.

“We hope this will prove a valuable resource, helping people to look after their emotional wellbeing, now and in the future.”

For more information on the Samaritans self-help app, visit selfhelp.samaritans.org.

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