A CARING Linwood woman has teamed up with a Johnstone taxi firm to give something back to the community. 

Steph Hill came up with the idea of starting non-profit organisation A Helping Hand Paisley when she noticed that a similar project in Glasgow was regularly running out of items for those in need. 

The 33-year-old said: “I reached out to a few local groups on Facebook and posted my own shout out to see if there was a demand for help in this area and, within 24 hours, the post just blew up.”

After the huge response to her post, care assistant Steph, who is also studying to be a mental health nurse, realised there are several less fortunate families in the Renfrewshire area in need of help with everyday items.

She was also determined to help rough sleepers who are without food and warm clothing.

“I got a team together and we created a Facebook group about three weeks ago,” said Steph. “It now has more than 2,000 members.”

Soon after she had created the page, the mum-of-two was contacted by drivers from Alpha Taxis who were keen to get involved.

Steph said: “Alpha Taxis wanted to do their bit and one of the things we were struggling with was getting around all the areas to collect donations, so we decided it would be helpful if the firm agreed to be a drop-off point for donations.”

Alastair Connell, one of the Alpha drivers who volunteered to help, said:

“I noticed the project’s Facebook page and thought it was a very worthwhile cause.

“Myself and my colleague Norman Muir felt this would be an ideal opportunity for Alpha Taxis to give back to the community. Our boss agreed to help and we have already had a few donations.”

A Helping Hand Paisley is hoping to set up in the town centre once a week to provide hot food and drinks, clothing, bedding, shoes and other items needed by those struggling to make ends meet.

Steph has stressed the group will be in constant need of donations once they start handing out items from November 13. She will be at Paisley Abbey on October 20 with a collection point for donations as part of a separate fundraising event.