Inverclyde Now Logo ‘PILLOW Slip Shop’ Helps Older Portonians With Supplies

30 March, 2020 | Local

A PORT Glasgow housing complex has opened a novel ‘pillow slip’ shop to help older people keep stocked with vital supplies during Scotland’s lockdown response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff and volunteers at Bield’s Crosshill Gardens site hope to ensure tenants can still access basic groceries and household items as they follow guidelines to stay at home.

Michelle McKinnon, development manager, said: “Crosshill Gardens has always received great support from volunteers and community wardens Mark and Neil, and even during this uncertain time it’s amazing they are continuing to give the same generous support.

“As a development we were looking at ways to our support tenants and decided it would be a positive help to introduce a Pillow Slip Shop to help those who may be worrying about getting the required shopping essentials.

“Our team is supporting tenants to get their basic shopping items by asking those who need anything to leave a pillow case outside their flat. A volunteer will collect it, wash it and return with a tick list of any basic day-to-day grocery items.

“Once the tenant has had a chance to look at what they need and tick off each item, the volunteers and wardens will source what the tenant needs.

“We will be wiping the items down before placing them inside the pillowcase outside the individual’s flat door.

“It is a way to take the pressure off tenants’ families and support providers, while also minimising the number of visitors coming into the development.

“We are grateful to our local Co-op manager, Michael Grant and staff as they have been greatly supportive in prioritising older people in the community.”

“We are pulling together as a community to help keep Crosshill Gardens a safe and happy place during these trying times.”

Lynne Douglas, chief executive at Bield, said: “As an organisation we are looking to do anything we can to help our customers during this tough time, while following government guidelines.

“It is lovely to hear our developments pulling together as a community to help each other -– introducing an inhouse shop is a small way our amazing staff and volunteers are looking to make this time that little bit easier.

“We appreciate the continued understanding and support of customers, families and staff as we work together to positively contribute to Scotland’s response to coronavirus.”

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