January 2025. It’s cold in Inverness. Foodbank manager Lorna Dempster takes a call from someone in Highland Council’s housing management team. A couple in a council tenancy have awakened to burst pipes and have had to be relocated to temporary accommodation while the damage to their home is assessed and a repair plan put into action.

“It’s hardly a surprise,” admits Lorna, who has been running Blythswood’s Highland Foodbank for 20 years. “Temperatures are below freezing and many people are afraid to put on their heating because it is so expensive.

“This couple were already struggling to get by on a low income and now their situation has become even more difficult. We are able to help them with food, toiletries and household cleaning items. We’ll do our best for them until they can see a way forward.”

Highland Foodbank works on a referral system, with the needs of people in crisis being assessed by a wide range of professionals such as housing officers, head teachers and community nurses. Foodbank responds by providing food sufficient for at least three days, as well as other day-to-day necessities such as toilet paper and laundry capsules.

“We really appreciate the generosity of our donors, year in, year out,” Lorna says. “Your support makes all the difference to families in crisis.”