THE development manager of Helensburgh's mental health hub has praised the efforts of the organisation's volunteer team in keeping services going during the lockdown.

Speaking to the Advertiser to mark Volunteers Week, which draws to a close on Sunday, June 7, Katrina Sayer described how food parcels are distributed to Jean’s Bothy members every week by a small group of volunteers – supplemented by help from other local groups and from Lomond School.

Lomond pupil Olivia Perry visits the Bothy once a week to sort out the food and list the items that are available, with the information then sent out to members to choose what they want.

Katrina said: "The Fareshare scheme, which previously supplied the Bothy with food to prepare lunch, is now delivered to members’ houses by volunteers.

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“We’ve been able to deliver around 30-40 parcels each week. It also gives those members who are self-isolating the opportunity to see a friendly face.

“It’s been great to have Olivia along each week, although it’s a simple task it’s so helpful for us and Olivia has been really reliable which is brilliant.”

Olivia said: “It’s nice, as a young person, to be able to do something for my community.”

Catriona Barker, a volunteer with the Visiting Friends charity in the town, who has been helping to deliver some of the hub's food parcels, said: “I have enjoyed being able to help local people who have been asked to stay at home.

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"It has been lovely to get a smile and a wave from the window as an acknowledgement for what we have been able to do.”

One of the members said: “That little bit of extra food is very much appreciated and it’s reassuring that there are people like you about to help and that we’re not alone”

Members of Jean’s Bothy have also been out volunteering by in the local community delivering parcels, prescriptions and other items, giving them a sense of purpose during the lockdown.

For those who can’t get out peer support has played a huge part in getting each other through these last 10 weeks.

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Katrina explained: “The Bothy garden needs regular maintenance, particularly at this time of year, and we’ve been able to organise a few members to carry out some the gardening tasks needed whilst keeping social distancing rules in place.

“We’ve been able to share photos of the work being done in the garden with other members through our social media pages. It allows that connection between members and the building itself even when they can’t be there physically.

“Volunteers who provided activities within the Bothy have been amazing at adapting their sessions to online for our members.

"We really do appreciate the efforts that have gone in from everyone to ensure our members continue to get a service which improves their mental health and wellbeing.”

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