Cyrenians providing support to people across Falkirk district

On March 16, as the pandemic took hold, Cyrenians took the decision to close their recently opened cafe in the historic Arnotdale House.

It was heartbreaking for the team who had worked so hard to transform the old house in Falkirk’s Dollar Park – which had lain empty for years – into a beautiful cafe with rooms that could be hired, with all of the profits helping their work.

But despite the closed doors, Arnotdale House and Cafe is busier than ever.

The team, including chef Ann McDermid and cafe assistant Hazel Smart have been making hundreds of hot, fresh meals while others including Sue Bytheway and Maria Ferrari are helping to deliver them to groups such as Tamfourhill and Camelon Community Hubs, the Salvation Army and Langlees Primary. 

“The food we’re producing is all very simple stuff and it’s all fresh veg, so we’re doing soups and pastas and the like,” said Scott Millar, the manager of Arnotdale House and Cafe.

“We’re also doing stovies and typical Scottish dishes that might put a smile on someone’s face!”

“We started off doing just over 100 meals but last week we did 300, so we’ve taken some up to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for staff members, just as a way of saying thank you.”

When the scale of the pandemic first became apparent, Cyrenians knew they had to keep helping the already vulnerable people who rely on their services.

They work with people who are or have been homeless, building confidence and giving them skills to help deal with problems such as addiction, unemployment and mental health, which can all be behind homelessness.

As the crisis hit they moved some services online and organised bags of food for the people they support, many of whom have very little money and could be facing extreme hardship.

“It’s well documented that the most vulnerable are hardest hit. These people are in need when we’re in a ‘normal’ situation,” said Scott.

However, they also realised they could also help people who suddenly needed support for the first time.

“It’s just a difficult time – there will be lots of people out there who have never had to use food banks or get assistance but they’re now having to use it because of the situation we’re in,” said Scott.

From its depot in Leith, Cyrenians operate a franchise for the Fareshare scheme which takes excess food from shops, supermarkets and other businesses and gives them to organisations such as homeless hostels, community groups and breakfast clubs.

Using Fareshare and with extra funding – and the use of a van from Falkirk Council’s Dalgrain depot – they’ve been able to get lots of fresh produce that the cafe team can cook up.

They are grateful for all the support they have received including help from Falkirk’s Chamber of Commerce and local firms. They are also being supported by the loyal customers they have already won since the cafe opened just last September.

Visitors will also return to the walled garden beside the house, which is looked after by Cyrenians working alongside Falkirk’s Community Justice team to help people on community service develop skills.

It’s also closed now – but behind the gates, work is continuing to keep it looking good.

They are also sad that this year they have not been able to plant the floral clock, which was brought back last year.

They hope that the links they’ve formed with local communities in particular will stay strong whatever the future brings.

“There’s been loads of good work getting done throughout Falkirk – it just shows that community spirit is still there and that people want to help each other.

“That’s something that’s been lost recently – that idea of your next door neighbour helping you out – but we’d be hopeful that’s something that will be a lasting legacy.”