Badenoch and Strathspey charity Open Arms opens doors on need in the strath
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The strath charity Open Arms is discovering just how much need there is in Badenoch and Strathspey as it delivers festive supplies over the season.
Michaela Street, who organises the movement with a band of faithful helpers, has been surprised at the level of need.
"In the last few weeks we have even discovered people sleeping on their floors with no carpets.
"But these people do not ask for help. They feel grateful just to have a roof over their heads.
"Other people we have connected with are need of a coat, gloves and a hat.
"There are all kinds of need, such as the family with no washing machine.
"We have delivered to two who don't have any means of heating ther food. They have no cooker or microwave and just eat everything cold."
Mrs Street, who has established a respite garden at Dalraddy by Kincraig, which is attracting more and more support for local people with mental problems or struggling with loneliness, has found many people living in Badenoch and Strathspey who survive exclusively on tinned food.
"We have found they have no bread or fresh vegetables, fruit and meat.
"We have learnt of six families who can't afford sanitary products, so we have provided them each month with items and we are so grateful to all those friends who have donated them after we requested them.
"There are many more out there who need the help of the community, we know, but they won't ask.
"Really, we want them please to contact us. We are here to help.
"I want to thank all the local people who are actually doing that as well as all those who are helping the less fortunate in our community.
"Over the last few days we have received numerous phone calls, texts and private messages from ones on their own who just wanted to chat.
"We thank them for doing that and finding out that they are not alone.
"If any Strathy readers are lonely or know any who are, and if anyone knows of someone who would benefit from a chippy tea/lunch for just £4 subsidised by us once a month then please let us know.
"We are picking up shopping for numerous people, so please contact us if you need anything.
"That applies to all our local villages."
Check out Open Arms' Facebook for details.
