Deveronvale Community Hub helping the most vulnerable
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A NEW community hub has been set up in Banff to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been created at Princess Royal Park, the home of Deveronvale Football Club, and is working closely with charities and organisations to help local people in need.
It started by accepting donations of children’s clothes, books, toys, activity packs, arts and crafts, football kits, boots and trainers and school clothes and shoes to help families struggling to make ends meet.
However, the service has since expanded and now also distributes clothes for teenagers and adults, bedding and baby equipment.
Volunteer Jillian McBain said: “We are also providing items that have become less of a priority in these difficult times.
“The hub is following strict protocols to comply with both current government and NHS guidelines to prevent virus spread and we ensure packages sent out are prepared in a way to limit any risk to recipients as much as possible.
“We’ve been delighted to be able to support families since we started earlier this month, as we continue to work alongside social services and local community partners to support the wider community.
“We have been blown away with the donations so far and it is a great example of a community pulling together in tough times.”
The hub is not-for-profit and all the donations help people living in the local area.
It works alongside several community groups and organisations which offer help and support in towns and villages. These groups get in contact with the hub, and are provided with whatever items they need.
Mrs McBain added: “We have a strict confidentiality policy for any requests received from families and we arrange a suitable time to meet at the hub so they can pick up the required items.
“As long as there is a need for support in our community, we will continue to take donations. We post the opening times each week, but are happy to meet at the hub outwith these hours to receive donations if people can’t make our opening hours.”
The hub will be open this week between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday to accept donations.
It will also be holding an event on Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm for people who need items for their children returning to school.
Due to social distancing, this will be by appointment only. To book a slot, go to the Deveronvale Community Hub Facebook page here.
