AN ONLINE call centre based in Yoker has brought together local businesses and community groups who have been working in partnership to help vulnerable residents.

Set up by councillors Eva Murray and Michael Cullen the community hub, based at Yoker Resource Centre, has been providing advice to more than 200 families in Yoker, Garscadden and Scotsounhill regarding debt, money advice and mental health.

There are between 50 and 60 volunteers involved in the scheme some of which have also been helping those who can’t leave their home to get food shopping and other supplies during the Coronavirus outbreak. While the hub remains closed to the public their phone line email are still open.

Councillor Michael Cullen explained: “This project has impacted and changed the way local community groups and businesses are operating in the G13/14 area.

“Many of us have come together and have started to work under the same umbrella to support the people in our area.

“We have received emergency food in the form of donations from Morrison’s and Fareshare while local cafe Dee Dee’s is making homecooked meals which is being distributed to disadvantaged families.

“Through the hub we have been able to help people access mental help support from COPE (Caring About People’s Emotions), and money advice from Drumchapel CAB.

“There has been a weekly SoapAid delivery and local distribution from the Caring City Charity which support vulnerable people in crisis.”

Following a screening process to make sure the person is really “in need” volunteers have been working with vulnerable families to make sure they get the support they require.

Donations have been made to local schools who are looking after the families of key workers.

The hub also received a donation of 150 DVDs which will be distributed to families in the area.

Mr Cullen continued: With this focus we can see how our new reality is having an impact. These local heroes are making sure the people in most need are supported.

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life. They just want to help. This is about coming together to help people.”

Although there has been a lot of positive feedback some posters promoting the scheme in the area have been ripped down from public notice boards.

Organisers are worried this might mean some people are missing out as a result.

Councillor Cullen added: “Despite getting a lot of positive feedback, some of the posters which we have put on display around the area have been ripped down.

“There is no need for this behaviour. We have put a lot of effort into establishing this helpline and it is quite worrying that someone would act in this way.

“Our aim is to help those in need and people should know we exist. We invite other groups to continue to work with us to make that happen.”

For more information email YokerCommunityAid@gmail.com or phone 0141 952 6485.