THE number of people who attend Drumchapel Foodbank is FIVE times higher than when it first launched —and project workers are certain the situation is going to get worse.

Drumchapel Foodbank was set up in March last year and began supporting just seven or eight people in the first few weeks.

The foodbank is now providing emergency supplies to between 30 and 40 individuals—and their children and other dependants—on a weekly basis.

In the 17-month period between its launch and last month, Drumchapel Foodbank has handed out almost 1,900 seven-day emergency supplies to people deep in poverty.

Foodbank development worker Oonagh Brown revealed that 84 per cent of all cases are directly linked to the UK Government’s harsh welfare reforms.

And a shocking 71 per cent of those attending Drumchapel Foodbank either have mental health problems, long term ill health, learning disabilities or physical impairments.

“These are the people who are being hit hardest by the changes to the benefits system,” said Oonagh. “I feel outraged on behalf of a lot of the people I work with.

“We’ve had some shocking situations. One man in his late 50’s, who had experienced long term ill health, came to us last year after his sister, who was his carer, passed away. “He was then taken off Employment Support Allowance and told to claim Job Seeker’s Allowance.

“There was absolutely no way he could seek a job. He was then taken off that and reassessed, but it took a long time for the situation to be resolved. “He had to access support from the foodbank for a long period until it was sorted out.” Service users are referred to Drumchapel Foodbank through dozens of agencies, including Drumchapel Life, Drumchapel SocialWork, addiction services and Drumchapel Job Centre.

The project, is based at the KCEDG premises in Ladyloan Place, and ! initially started with a handful of volunteers who hand out supplies every Tuesday between 2pm and 4.30pm and also hold emergency appointments Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Crucially, Drumchapel Foodbank also directs people to other services and community support organisations to help them in the longer term.

The foodbank is now supported by 15 volunteers and Oonagh is currently appealing for more helpers due to demand.

She said: “The main reason we see people is a sudden loss of income, such as becoming unemployed or being taken off Employment Support Allowance due to failing a medical assessment. These medical assessments are often not correct.

“Unemployment and failing medical assessments account for 32 per cent of all our cases.

“A reduction in benefits through situations like people having to pay back rent arrears or having to repay crisis loans is responsible for 33 per cent of people accessing our service.

“Benefits sanctions are directly related to 19 per cent. So, overall, the large majority of people turning to our foodbank are related to welfare reforms.” Others referred to the foodbank include people just released from prison because it can take around five weeks for their benefits to be processed.

Meanwhile, domestic violence or relationship breakdowns are attributed to three per cent of all foodbank cases.

Oonagh said: “For us it has been really challenging to meet the demand but we always get there with the support of the community.

“To continue our work we are heavily reliant on public donations.

People have been incredibly supportive and there has been a huge amount of goodwill from the local community.

“We have been extremely lucky and we’re very grateful. It’s just a case of asking for that continued support and for others to help as the demand on our service is going to increase.

“We’ve already seen it with the roll out of Universal Credit. Citizens Advice Scotland estimate the planned changes to Child Tax Credits would result in 73,300 families across Scotland losing an estimated £545 per year. We are seeking more support from the public not only to supply people with food, but to help them access social security services.” HAND IN DONATIONS: People can hand food donations into the office at KCEDG Office, Unit 9, Ladyloan Place, Drumchapel, G15 8LB.

CO LLECTION POINTS: The public can also leave donations in collection points at Sainsbury’s Drumchapel or B&M Bargains Drumchapel.

ONLINE SHOP: Order an online shop and have it delivered to the KCEDG address above.

CASH DONATIONS: Can be made in person at the food bank office. Donations can also be made via the charity’s new Pa ypal account, which can be accessed via www. drumchapelfoodbank.co.uk DRIVER COLLECTION: The foodbank has volunteer drivers who can collect shopping donations.

Please contac t Drumchapel Foodbank office on 0141 944 3335 to discuss arrangements.

FRESH FRUIT AND VEG: The foodbank team would particularly welcome donations of fresh fruit and veg on Mondays.

FURTHER ASSISTANCE: For information on Drumchapel Foodbank and ways to support its work log on to www. drumchapelfoodbank.co.uk, or email oonaghatkcedg@ hotmail.com