Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' (SSEN) Inverness depot is supporting Blythswood Care's Highland Foodbank.

Following the launch of its new premises in Inverness at 1 Glebe Street in September, SSEN's teams have been collecting to help tackle food poverty and hunger in local Highland communities.

The Highland Foodbank is part of a network of 428 foodbanks across the UK. Recent figures released by The Trussell Trust show during April - September 2018, the network provided 87,981 three-day emergency food supplies and support to people in crisis. This past year alone, over 50 tonnes of food have been delivered to over 6,200 people around the Highlands.

Pamela Harvey, SSEN's Customer Relationship Manager for the Highlands and Islands, said:

"Back in September we were delighted to present a cheque for £500 to Blythswood Care to help purchase six 'dollies' to make the movement of food around the local foodbank much quicker and more efficient for those working together to stop hunger in our local area."

"We didn't want this to be a one-off donation, so we're regularly collecting at our depot in Inverness to ensure we continue to give back to the local communities we serve and help in any way we possibly can. We'll also be promoting our Priority Services Register to foodbank users at 9 hubs across the Highlands to ensure those who need extra help receive the free support they need from our teams."

Danny Muschate, Blythswood's PR & Marketing Manager, added:

"We are so encouraged by the support from SSEN for our Highland Foodbanks. Their contribution has already made an improvement to the running of our new premises and the food they have donated will make a big difference to the lives of local people in need."

For some, being without electricity, even for a short time, can be a distressing and difficult situation. That's why SSEN, who is responsible for keeping the lights on in the north of Scotland and central southern England, offers extra help and support to ensure its customers are looked after.

To find out more about SSEN's Priority Services Register, or register yourself, a friend or family member who may need extra help during a power cut, please visit ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices.

For more information on the Highland Foodbank, visit https://www.blythswood.org/highland-foodbank.