Resilience is key to Cumbernauld fightback

Cumbernauld Resilience has already grabbed national attention after being featured on BBC’s Reporting Scotland last week.

And crucially, it’s had a decisive impact at local level -for the speed with which it has mobilised and ably provided solutions to those in need.

In the space of a week, the pioneering grassroots organisation has linked up with foodbanks, church groups, football clubs, businesses and local schools to deliver a dynamic volunteer-run service for the whole community.

That’s been made possible by dozens of good samaritans who are tirelessly helping hundreds of residents across our community.

Members have been manning phone lines, collecting food donations, putting together food parcels and delivering them safely to homes - in a bolstering show of community spirit for which Cumbernauld is famed.

Co-ordinator, Councillor Gillian Fannan, broke off from her duties to explain: “We are getting calls from people who have been told to self-isolate but don’t have anyone to go shopping for them.

“Older people have been in contact to have a friendly chat, or they need a food parcel, or to see if we can collect a prescription for them.

“Footballers at Cumbernauld Colts have a team of volunteers dedicated to collecting prescriptions and we are delighted to be working with them to coordinate this.

“We are also receiving calls from our incredible NHS staff, with some saying they are unable to visit the supermarkets by the time their shift ends. We do what we can to make sure that they have what they need to look after us.

“We have been overwhelmed and incredibly grateful by the generosity of local people, businesses and schools. However, with demand set to grow, we need a steady flow of donations in order to continue our work. This includes items like UHT milk, pasta and toilet roll. “

Anyone looking to donate or is self-isolating and needs help should contact the team on 07707860976.

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