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A dedicated helpline for vulnerable and elderly residents struggling through the coronavirus crisis has been praised by an MP.

SNP MP Allan Dorans hailed staff and volunteers at South Ayrshire Lifeline, who are working seven days a week to provide practical and emotional support for people in need.

The caring call centre set up by Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) was visited last week by the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP which he described as a “fantastic service for the community provided selflessly by people who care”.

Paying tribute to the team, he said: “The staff and their wonderful volunteers are doing a fantastic job and really making a difference to many people who, through no fault of their own, are feeling isolated, lonely and scared.

“A friendly voice at the end of the phone really can make all the difference.”

As well as offering a listening ear, South Ayrshire Lifeline runs a whole range of practical services including food order deliveries, prescription pick-ups, support for people with sight or hearing impairment and hearing aid batteries by post.

In less than two weeks, the food service has already clocked up more than 700 miles delivering shopping orders ranging in price from £5 to £40 to more than 150 elderly and vulnerable people throughout South Ayrshire.

Hundreds more have phoned for information on the service for when their food cupboards runs low.

Grateful residents have been sending in heartfelt messages as they call the service an “absolute blessing.”

One lady who phoned the Lifeline when she was desperately running out of food said “It’s amazing what you are doing – this truly is a lifesaver.”

If you need support from South Ayrshire Lifeline call 0800 432 0510.