Newstart keeps the essentials flowing

Newstart Recycle usually works to support people dealing with poverty and homelessness.
But when the lockdown forced the closure of their warehouse they turned their hand to supplying hand sanitiser to carers and other frontline staff.
Each Saturday and Wednesday between 1-3 pm workers can take their own bottles to the Newstart loading bay at Queensberry Street and stock up on sanitiser free of charge.
Last weekend local councillors Sean Marshall and Archie Dryburgh and volunteer John McMinn joined enterprise founders Tony Nisbet and Frankie McGowan to help distribute the much needed sanitiser.
In addition, Newstart have been working with local co-ordinator Micky Morrison to supply fabric, thread and other supplies to volunteers who are producing scrubs, masks and wash bags for key workers.
So far they have sent out more than 15 bags of material and supplied three households with sewing machines to support the project.
They are also accepting donations and continue to deliver vital supplies and equipment to surrounding communities.