A GLASGOW mum who lost two stone so she could feed her children has told how losing her job left her needing food and energy vouchers.

Kelly Young, from Partick, was struggling to keep up with her rent and put food on the table when she lost her job back in 2021. 

Now, the mum of four is sharing that she lost two stone in six weeks to ensure that her children ate first. 

Glasgow Times:

The 41-year-old, who got support from Annexe Communities, said: "I now have a job as a cleaner and am working hard to support my family as best I can.

"I have always been a believer in being able to help yourself but when you are in such a deep hole it’s impossible.

"It took a lot for me to swallow my pride and admit that I needed help for me and my family but the truth of it is that I am out working, and I still can’t manage. 

"Payday becomes pay away day and I am constantly living on my overdraft – it’s a never-ending cycle. 

"That’s why places like the Annexe are so important right now, they keep contact with me and it’s good to know that people are there for me and that it’s a safe place for me to come and not sit in my house stressed and isolated."

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Annexe Communities is one of four Glasgow charities which has recently been awarded National Lottery funding to provide cost-of-living crisis help to locals. 

Annexe received £23,500 of the £1.5 million funding pot, which will be shared amongst 73 community projects around Scotland.

The Partick-based charity will be using the money to distribute food vouchers, clothing vouchers and energy top-ups, as well as running a soup social and providing soup packs with all the relevant ingredients for locals to make their favourite soups at home.

Other groups who have received National Lottery funding include Glen Oaks Housing Association, Glasgow the Caring City and Elderpark Housing Association. 

Glen Oaks Housing Association, based in Arden, will be using the £20,000 award to hand out fuel and food shopping vouchers as well as discretionary payments to help up to 250 households with crisis bills and other emergencies.

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Meanwhile, after receiving £22,500 from the funding pot, Glasgow the Caring City will be providing vouchers for food and clothing, as well as warm blankets and cash to children and families.

Elderpark Housing Association, which received £26,971 from the Lottery fund, will be launching a multi-partnered project which will deliver a range of activities and get-togethers along with practical support of vouchers, cash and food for locals in Govan. 

Talking about the funding, Kate Still, Scotland chair of The National Lottery Community Fund said: "Everyone is well aware of the impact of the rising cost of living, so it’s more important than ever that communities are actively coming together to support each other.

"National Lottery players can be proud to know that they help support this vital work."

To find out more about The National Lottery fund, click HERE