Health Secretary praises work of pop up cafe

A DUMFRIES lunch club last week welcomed Scotland’s Health and Social Care Secretary.

Neil Gray visited the Food Train Pop-up Cafe to see how it is playing a part in tackling malnutrition and loneliness.

The charity’s community hub in Dumfries town centre hosts the event on Wednesdays, where those 65 and over gather for a chat and a bite to eat.

They are among about 200 local people who benefit from the Older People’s Meals Project each week, which also includes home delivery.

The initiative is possible thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Communities, Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which is administered in the region by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway.

It is built into Food Train’s wider work to improve the health and happiness of older people across the region by ensuring they are able to enjoy good food and company.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Gray said: “I thank Food Train’s volunteers and staff for their vital work preventing malnutrition and loneliness in thousands of older people across Scotland and specifically here in Dumfries. It was a pleasure to hear at first hand how much they look forward to their weekly visit and the difference it makes to them.

“Older people are more likely to experience circumstances which contribute to poorer mental health, such as poverty, isolation and loneliness.

“The staff and volunteers at the pop-up cafe do a fantastic job of providing a warm and welcoming place where people can socialise while enjoying a hot meal.”

Food Train chief executive Rosie McLuskie said: “For some of our older people, their trip to the pop-up cafe is the only time in a week that they get to leave their homes. Our cook, Maggie Ferrier, does some great lunches.

“It’s fantastic to see the real friendships which have grown among those who regularly come along - and it’s all made possible thanks to the funding we receive from Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway. By working together, we are improving the lives of older people.”

For more information about the meals project, call Food Train on 01387 270800.