Jodie (right) with foodbank volunteer Usman: ‘It makes me happy when I know people feel comfortable and safe enough to come here and be just as they are.’

Cancer has turned *Liam’s life upside down. Surgery followed by multiple rounds of treatment has left him unable to work. And nausea and weakness make it difficult to look after the two children for whom he is the sole carer.

For a single parent in this situation, Southeast Edinburgh Foodbank has been a lifeline. “Liam always takes the opportunity to sit down and talk with our volunteers,” says foodbank manager Jodie Hope. “We’ve been able to support him through his illness, operations and treatment, and also through family bereavements and his day-to-day struggles.”

Liam was referred to the foodbank by his housing association. For each referral, clients receive non-perishable food sufficient to feed their household for at least three days, as well as toiletries and cleaning supplies.

“Having someone to talk to is so important,” Jodie says. “On a few occasions, Liam has said that he is leaving feeling better and lighter than when he came in. The foodbank is a hub in the community where people can come, have a cuppa and talk about everything going on in their lives. It makes me happy when I know people feel comfortable and safe enough to come here and be just as they are.”

Established by Blythswood in the Burdiehouse district of Edinburgh in 2011, the foodbank is now in the process of setting up as a charity in its own right as part of the Trussell network. Jodie says: “We have a local board in place and we’re looking to grow over the coming months.”