Golden Friendships has relaunched its free evening meals initiative to help struggling residents cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Jim McLaren, who runs Golden Friendships, insists the step is necessary ahead of the winter period due to the large amount of people struggling in the community.
‘Heating and Eating’ will take place at the charity’s hall in Nairn Place between 5pm and 6pm every Tuesday from 1st October until the end of March.
Jim explained the importance of the initiative. “I have seen how many people are struggling locally. People should not have to choose between staying warm or eating, we want to offer both to those that need it. The service is open to anyone who is struggling whether that be couples, families, pensioners or people living on their own.”
”The free dinner service will take place at the charity's hall in Nairn Place between 5pm and 6pm every Tuesday from 1st October 2024 until the end of March 2025.
The initiative is being funded in part by the National Lottery who are providing £20,000, with Golden Friendships also contributing up to £5000 depending on demand for the service. It is the second time Golden Friendships have run the free meals after previously offering the service in 2022.
Jim also commented that, “as a charity, we are involved with many different groups and see people struggling all the time. We provide a two-course meal on a Wednesday for a fiver, which we subsidise and we also give people food containers so they have provisions for future meals. A lot of people are finding things difficult and we want to be able to offer some respite. It is important for people to know they are not alone,”
Golden Friendships previously served 120 people a week two years ago and he expects the number to be larger this time.
“Our staff and volunteers will help to drive the process as it is a big undertaking. It will not be easy but it is an important service that we are providing,” he added.
