The broad smiles of Elisabeta and her son and daughter belie the harsh reality of their day-to-day existence. Elisabeta does not qualify for a pension as she never had formal employment. Her daughter has a significant learning disability, for which she receives an allowance from the state. Her brother is officially employed as his sister’s carer.

Occasionally mother and daughter earn pocket money from neighbours in their village in Cluj county, Romania, for helping them gather sheep. But all told, their household income equates to little more than £500 a month, barely enough to sustain three adults.

So, when they receive a monthly delivery of basic foodstuffs from Blythswood’s Basis project, they have reason to look happy. “When funds allow, we help them with clothing and toiletries too,” says Agnes Csiszer who manages the Basis project. “Your support eases their daily struggles and reassures them that they are not alone.”

A volunteer from the Hungarian Reformed Church makes the monthly visit. Agnes says: “Regular food assistance and emotional and spiritual encouragement help the family maintain a basic level of dignity and stability.”

Blythswood’s Basis programme helps low-income households like that of Elisabeta with a monthly delivery of basic food items.