Dumfries-based older people’s charity Food Train has named its new chief executive.
Rosie McLuskie will succeed long-serving Michelle Carruthers in the role from April 1.
Formerly Scotland director for We Are With You – which supports people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health – Rosie brings with her vast experience in health and social care, which lie at the core of her new role.
From its launch by a determined group of older people in Dumfries in 1995, Food Train’s shopping, meal-sharing, befriending and other services now support more than 3,500 people across Scotland every year.
Its vans are familiar sights in communities across the region, with branches operating across Nithsdale, Annandale and Eskdale, the Stewartry and Wigtownshire.
Rosie, who played a key role in her former charity’s growth across Scotland over 20 years, said: “I cannot wait to get started at Food Train.
“This is a charity which not only improves lives, but saves them – ensuring older people not only get the groceries they need to eat well at home, but the company they need to live well too. The health of far too many people suffer tragically as a result of malnutrition and loneliness. Food Train and its tremendous volunteers stop both.
“I am determined that this charity will continue its great work in not just supporting our members, but in being a voice for them too – to ensure their opinions and experiences are heard, as well as their needs met.”
Food Train is headquartered in a former Dumfries town centre council building which it transformed two years ago into the charity’s first home of its own. Its work is backed by a near 60-strong staff team and more than 1,200 dedicated volunteers across Scotland.
Michelle, who has led Food Train for 21 years and was the charity’s first full-time employee when she joined the volunteers as its development officer in July 2002, leaves her post this week.
Rosie added: “Michelle has been a fantastic leader and has done so much for Food Train and older people across Scotland. She leaves big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to continuing her work and ensuring that Food Train makes a positive difference to our members and communities.”
Food Train chair Alan Dalziel said: “We are delighted to appoint Rosie to the CEO role as her experience, determination and leadership qualities are exactly what the charity needs to serve the best interests of our members, volunteers and staff going forward.
“We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Michelle for her outstanding leadership over so many years and wish her the very best for the next chapter in her life.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with Food Train can go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk or call 01387 270800.
