Many food banks, charities and community-focused organisations who are normally a beacon of hope, struggled to maintain themselves at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As most of these much-needed services rely on face-to-face communication and human presence, the last 18 months presented an unprecedented challenge.

Maggie Macbean Orr, Project Development Manager of Lambhill Stables, said: "We had to completely change everything we did.

"We are a community centre, we do youth clubs and art sessions, we have a cafe, we organise lunch clubs and we have lots of community groups who meet here.

"During lockdown, we weren't able to do any of that."

The organisation transformed almost overnight and started an emergency food, toiletries and supplies delivery service.

"Our cafe became a stock room and thanks to the Foundation Scotland grant, we were able to buy materials we otherwise wouldn't be able to access."

Strengthened by the funding and the partnership of local food banks and delivery partners, Lambhill Stables was able to respond quickly and efficiently to the crisis.

Baskets of food, cleaning products and baby items were all distributed locally and the need was overwhelming.

"People were really grateful. They were saying: 'thank you so much, my kids went to bed with full stomachs last night, for the first time in a while'.

"Comments like this just break my heart but it also highlights how needed it was for us to be able to respond so quickly.

"Have we not go the funding, it would have taken us a few more weeks to be able to respond properly."

The staff and volunteers made sure that anyone calling in for help received it the next morning at the latest.

They also had no problem with accommodating special needs and requests.

In April 2020, Lambhill Stables helped an 87-year-old lady with high anxiety levels and fears about answering the door to anyone.

  The delivery person agreed to leave her food parcels on her doorstep and her neighbour offered to take them inside, ensuring social distancing and safety for everyone.

With an aim to improve mental wellbeing, volunteers also lent a helping hand to anyone in need of an errand.

"People would phone us and say: 'I'm working on a knitting project and I am wondering if you have any sequins' and we would find it for them because we were already out and about anyway," Mrs Macbean Orr added.

Lambhill Stables has since re-started its cafe, classes, lunch club and community outreach programs and welcomes anyone in line with government guidelines.