A NEW foodbank development coordinator has been appointed by The Gate charity.

Jay-Anne McLaughlin has taken on the role full time after being a volunteer for the foodbank for just over a year.

She will take over the role from Lesley McAleenan who left the role in April of this year.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Jay-Anne said she is looking forward to getting stuck into her role and highlighted the importance of the Gate during the cost of living crisis.

“I feel privileged to be doing this full time,” Jay-Anne said. “Things are tight for everybody at the moment and there’s people struggling that you’d think don’t normally struggle.

“With higher inflation, I think everybody is feeling the pinch a little bit so there’s more people in need than you would think.

“I’m quite excited to take on the role, I’ve been a volunteer for just over a year.”

Jay-Anne will oversee the preparation and delivery of food parcels to people who have been referred to the charity for help.

Referrals can come from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), housing officers or homeless accommodation.

It’s an exciting time for the Gate, having just moved back into their refurbished premises at 2 Ludgate, which will allow them to carry out more work for the Wee County.

The Gate has also announced that a member of CAB will now be present at Ludgate on Tuesdays to host a drop in session for people to stop by and seek benefits and debt advice.