FAMILIES struggling to make ends meet have been offered a lifeline with the launch of a new foodbank service in the Borders.

The initiative has been set up principally for the parishes of West Linton, Carlops and Kirkurd and Newlands.

Help in a crisis is currently available from the Peeblesshire foodbank based in Peebles but the size of the area can cause delays in getting emergency food to families.

The Rev Linda Dunbar, the Church of Scotland parish minister for West Linton, Carlops and Kirkurd and Newlands, said: “There is a need for this as we know that people in our area have been receiving food packages.

“We are not in competition with the foodbank in Peebles but the sheer distances involved sometimes make it difficult, so a geographically focused foodbank seemed an obvious step.

“Working with the Rev Lynsay Downs from our neighbouring Scottish Episcopal church, St Mungo’s, the local Churches of Scotland serving this area have been exploring how we can best address the needs of those struggling with food poverty in this area of the Borders.

“As well as the local churches being on board, a great variety of community groups - including the local schools, GP surgery, pharmacy, police and social work - have all expressed interest in being partner agencies.” Many church and community volunteers have also come forward offering their time to run the foodbank as well as donating food to the cause.

The new foodbank is not part of the nationwide Trussell Trust network of foodbanks but operates as an independent service under the umbrella of the local churches.

“This gives us a greater flexibility over how we operate. In the first instance, people can self-refer for support without having to go through a partner agency for a referral voucher,” said Ms Dunbar.

“We are free to support people for a prolonged period of time, and we are free to tailor support to different family circumstances.” Families needing help will be able to pick up food from the church or chemist’s shop in West Linton or have it delivered to their homes.

Ms Dunbar added: “I am delighted we have managed to launch this service now as Christmas is often one of the toughest times.

“We already have plenty of food available. Folk have been incredibly generous with some making sure we have the right food for younger people and babies.” More volunteers will be welcomed and they will be given the training necessary for dealing with foodbanks.

Anyone wishing to contact the new foodbank - either for support or to volunteer - should phone the dedicated phone line on 07943 509906.