The founder of a mental health charity working to support people in need under lockdown has admitted he did not expect the scale of demand.
Since closing its Albert Street office in light of social distancing guidelines, Feeling Strong has set up a food delivery service which has distributed more than 1,000 parcels.
The charity has also established a video chat support line to replace face-to-face meetings.
The projects have received backing from NHS Tayside’s Community Innovation Fund, which gives grants ranging from £500 to £25,000 to community groups.
Brook Marshall, who began the charity in 2018, said: “We are one of the groups who NHS Tayside support, but we’ve also been working with the council and other third sector organisations on reaching out and supporting people.
“We have already delivered more than 1,000 bags of food in about about three weeks.
“There is no need for an official referral. We believe everyone should be able to access support,” he added.
“We have seen a huge demand. It’s been much bigger than we anticipated.”
It is likely that demand for their services will increase the longer the lockdown goes on, but Mr Marshall is confident his team are up to the task.
“We’re going to find ways to work smarter to reach as many people as we can,” he added.
“We have already had to completely change how we work compared to just one month ago.”
The charity has also set up a Covid-19 support page on its website, where people can find tools and tips on how to cope while in isolation or spending extended periods cooped up inside.
Mr Marshall said: “There’s some really good things on there about what to do under lockdown. It’s important to keep people’s minds stimulated.”
