A vital community initiative in Lanarkshire has been praised for helping hundreds of locals every week through the cost of living crisis.
The Burnbank Community Hub provides a range of services including non-referral food provisions, clothing, equipment, and general signposting to different services available.
And as food and energy prices continue to rise, more people in Hamilton are relying on this help now more than ever.
The Hub is run by dedicated volunteers as part of local group Our Place, Our Plan Hillhouse, Udston and Burnbank, which is led by South Lanarkshire Partnership and Community Links in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.
Locals can attend Gilmour and Whitehill Parish Church for whatever support they need on Fridays between 10am and 2pm.
A spokeswoman for Community Links told us : “Development Workers work closely with volunteers to tackle local issues and deliver priorities based on the Neighbourhood Plan.
“Projects like the Burnbank Community Hub are a vital lifeline for local residents and the dedication of our volunteers is essential in delivering the project.
"The hub provides a safe and warm space for people to socialise while allowing individuals to access mainstreams services in a relaxed environment.
“We will continue to develop the Hub to include additional wrap around services, making it the ultimate one stop shop for residents who are facing the current rising cost of living crisis.”
At the help centre, there is also support for seeking employment with information available from the SELECT Employability Project, Money Matters and Remploy.
The group’s Community Café is also a popular feature offering free hot rolls, soup and tea and coffee.
Recently, the Hub's "unsung heroes" of volunteers have been applauded for their efforts to help the community during difficult times by Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon.
She has since lodged a motion with the Scottish Parliament in recognition of their dedicated work after witnessing it first hand when she visited the Hamilton premises last week.
Ms Lennon told Lanarkshire Live : “The unsung heroes in our community deserve recognition. That’s why I lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the volunteers at Burnbank Community Hub.
“Their commitment and hard work never fail to impress me. It was a pleasure to be back at Gilmour and Whitehill Church in the heart of Burnbank, enjoying conversations with residents and volunteers over a cuppa at the community café.
“The volunteers really have the community at heart and work tirelessly to help residents in the local area, from offering a free lunch and essentials to take home, to ensuring people can access information and support regarding finances and employment.
“My genuine thanks go to everyone who is so giving of their time to help others, especially during this cost-of-living crisis when that help is needed more than ever.
“People like, Anne Paul, who is a church elder at Gilmour and Whitehill Parish Church, offer a warm welcome to anyone who pops by. This is community-led partnership in action and I want to thank everyone involved.”
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