November Supermarket Collection Roll of Honour

We salute the hard work and commitment of the people who made the success out of the supermarket collections on Thursday 27th, Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November 2014.

And another huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously. We can now confirm that, across the two stores, a grand total of 3840 kgs of food was donated!

Click here to see the full Roll of Honour!

Emma's Story

"Daughter who is 23 returned home for a year. Wasn't declared as didn't pay any money as part time hairdresser and Emma ended up with £3,500 debt (overpayment). Has addiction and couldn't cope and has large water debt. Because of situation and debts has slipped back from being clear (been to rehab). Has two daughters (9 and 11) at home."

Thank you to Emma for sharing her story and a further thanks to the volunteer who wrote this down on her behalf.

Justin's Story

"I had been in a relationship for 13 years with two kids. My relationship broke down and I lost everything that I'd worked for during the 13 years. I ended up homeless and was put in a shelter. Now I've got a room in a hostel. The Foodbank helped me in a big way providing me with the essentials I needed to keep going until I sorted out my benefits. I have never been in this situation before and didn't know what to do. Without the Foodbank, I wouldn't have anything at all. Thanks.

Our thanks to Justin for sharing this with us.

Volunteer Celebration 2014

A great evening spent with such wonderful people who have given so much time towards making Foodbank what it is today. A fantastic collective achievement. Thank you again to everyone who supports us in so many ways and a huge well done to all those who received an award. 

Celia's Story

"Currently homeless or staying in B&B. On ESA but all money goes on B&B (£500/wk). Partner claimed PIP (Personal Independence Payment) 4 weeks ago but was told it would take 26 weeks for a decision to be made. Partner has type 2 diabetes and mental health issues. Have to leave B&B at 10am and not allowed back until evening. Have 15 year old son. Housing Solutions team will contact client regarding accomodation."

Thank you to Celia for sharing her story with us and to the volunteer who wrote this down on her behalf.

Can You Spare Two Hours To Help at Our Supermarket Collections?

It's less than TWO weeks until the National Food Collection! This is taking place on the 27th, 28th and 29th November 2014 at the Sealand Road and Frodsham Street Tesco stores.

We're short of volunteers and we'd love it if you can help out by volunteering for 2 hours on one of these days. Our flyer is available here.

What do we need from you?

We need your time and your energy to hand out shopping lists to shoppers as they come to the stores and to help collect their gifts as they leave. We will need 6 people on duty at all times at both the Frodsham Street store and the Sealand Road store. We’re just asking for 2 hours of your time. You must be 16 yrs of age or above.

Not sure if you can help?

Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before. We have friendly and experienced volunteers who will supervise the collections and show you what to do.

What next?

Check your diary and register your interest, indicating which days and times you may be free. We’ll keep you up to date with our planning and contact you to finalise your time slot(s). Contact us:

Email supermarket@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or call 0151 355 7730.

We hope you can join us on 27th, 28th and 29th November. #EveryCanHelps

By volunteering at your local Tesco store on 27th, 28th and 29th November you can help stop people going hungry in your community.

Here’s a handy little animation explaining what happens at the National Tesco collections.

Our 2 Year Anniversary and Volunteer Celebration

Today is our second anniversary. We’re celebrating the volunteers who’ve made this possible on the 27^th of November. We’d really love it if you are able to join us.

In the last two years, West Cheshire Foodbank has helped thousands of people, by providing emergency food, and through listening to and treating people as valuable and worthy of our time. Every bit of this has been achieved by our volunteers, and so we’re taking the opportunity to say a big thank you! Everyone is welcome. If you volunteer or support us in any way, with one of our partner agencies, hosting a collection box or you volunteer at food collections, in the distribution centres, warehouse, admin office, as a trustee, or you’ve donated food to us, we’d love you to join us, as we celebrate two years of incredible volunteer action, and all we’ve achieved in that time.

Join us for our volunteer celebration on the 27th November, 6-9pm at Trinity Church in Ellesmere Port where we’ll be recognising the work of all our volunteers, agencies and partners. As well as eating great food together, and celebrating all we’ve done, we’ll be making some special awards to those who’ve gone above and beyond this year. You can nominate people for our ‘Volunteers of the Year’ awards by emailing Steve at operations@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk, and telling us who you’d like to nominate, and why. We’d love to hear from you, and we’d love to see you there. Please RSVP for you and your family to the email above. 

We’re looking forward to spending some time with you.

Help Feed People in Need

It's less than 3 weeks until the National Food Collection! This is taking place on the 27th, 28th and 29th November 2014 at the Sealand Road and Frodsham Street Tesco stores.

All the food you donate at local Tesco Foodbank collections goes directly to West Cheshire Foodbank, it is then given to people who are referred to receive emergency food due to a crisis.

Will you join us on 27th, 28th and 29th November? #EveryCanHelps

By donating at your local Tesco store on 27th, 28th and 29th November you can help stop people going hungry in your community. Simply pick up one of our shopping lists as you enter and donate an item or two (or more!) at your nearest store.

We'd especially appreciate donations of UHT Fruit Juice, Jams/Spreads, Sugar, Tinned Meat, and Sponge Puddings.

We'd also love it if you can help out by volunteering for 2 hours on one of these days. More details about how you can get involved are available HERE.

Here’s a handy little animation to show you exactly what happens to your generous donations at the National Tesco collections.

Santander Support Local People in Crisis

West Cheshire Foodbank has received a £5000 boost from the Santander Foundation to ensure that the organisation can continue to respond to the needs of local people in crisis across West Cheshire.

Further details available here.

Pete Stelfox (left) receives £5000 from Sarah Drover (centre) and Kelly Jackson (right) at the Foodbank Warehouse.  

Rachel's Story

"Benefits delayed - Child tax credits not come through. Washing machine broken leading to extra costs so money tight, too tight to pay for everything. Energy costs are too much."

Our thanks to Rachel for sharing this with us.

Brian's Story

"I find myself homeless and without money at 50 years of age. Life was going so well. A BSc, MSc and Phd in Medical Science led to jobs with the MoD, Unilever and then to Research Director near Chester where I lived with my wife of 30 years and 2 daughters. Further directorships in Surrey then London followed. Then crash, I lost my job due to lack of funding. The government has destroyed R&D [research and development] in the UK. Family death, hit and run reduced legs to shrapnel and almost blind. Can't do job anymore. 11 months NHS waiting list for 30 minute operation. Wife affair, British judicial system forced me to leave and be homeless, bank accounts emptied. Housing solutions got me a safe seat, sitting in a chair with winos and junkies. Then a flat in a nice hostel, weeks to get benefits. Endless forms to fill in but I can't read them. At least safe secure and warm. No food in flat and no money. [Local Agency] said to come here. V. grateful. Need ops to get a job or 30 years experience thrown on the scrap heap. Very few R&D jobs left. Thank God for lovely people and charity. Will fight way back up. But time time time crushes the soul. We are not scroungers. God bless."

Our thanks to Brian for sharing his story with us.

Wolverham Pupils Donate Generously

Thank you to everyone at Wolverham Primary and Nursery School for their generous donations!

"Share A Meal With Someone You Have Never Met"

Mrs Marsh (Learning Mentor), Joel (Deputy Head Boy), Sophie (Deputy Head Girl), Chloe (Head Girl), Kyle (Head Boy) and Ms Finch (Head Teacher) drop off their donation at one of our distribution centres (left to right)

The pupils at Westminster Primary School have been thinking about what it means to ‘Share a meal with someone you have never met’  during their Harvest Assembly this year. They talked about how important it is to share food to ensure people in our local community don’t go hungry. Pupils then celebrated with songs and poems and all staff members donated fresh foods to create sharing platters for our children to share after assembly with parents and guests who had come to watch the assembly.

Chloe (Head Girl) said that it was important to donate to Foodbank “because not everybody can afford food and this helps them to survive when times are tough.”

Sean's Story

"I have had to use the Foodbank today as I have been put on a sanction for JSA, because I was at CAB sorting out my housing benefit and could not make an appointmnent for the IT suite. I phoned up as soon as I realised I could not make the IT suite and told them I was at CAB sorting my housing benefit but I was still put on a sanction."

Our thanks to Sean for sharing his story with us.

It's A Busy Day At The Warehouse!

Thanks to everyone in today: Jonny, Colin, Tony, Patricia, Ann, Mark, Geof, Cath & Pete.

In just one morning we've taken delivery of in excess of 850 kilograms of food and our deliveries team has just gone out on its next collection round! One of our Warehouse Co-ordinators, Pete Stelfox commented, "Today has been extremely busy. We've had all hands to the deck: we've even roped the admin team in to lend a hand. It was great that the team at Lloyds Bank were able to visit us for the first time today too. We're impressed that their initial donation exceeded 200 kilograms, all collected since last Thursday!"

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far this harvest and helped to ensure that we can continue to provide emergency food to local people in crisis!

Patrick's Story

"I have type two diabetes, eczema ... [illegible word]... and asthma. [The] jobcentre wanted me to work in a recycling plant for 30 hours a week in a recycling plant for no pay for four weeks. I told the jobcentre that my doctor says I should not work in that environment. [Name removed] and [Name removed] at the jobcentre did not care. They are a disgrace."

Thanks to Patrick for sharing his story with us.

A Massive THANK YOU to Stuart and all at St Mary's!

Stuart Bull, who coordinates food donations at St Mary Without-the-Walls, Handbridge, pictured with a portion
of the 180kg of food donated at Harvest for West Cheshire Foodbank.

Eric's Story

"I had an outstanding debt and was threatened with court proceedings if I did not pay it in full. I am on JSA and when I had paid it off I had no money for any other purpose. I have had to apply to the Foodbank this week."

Our thanks to Eric for sharing his situation with us.

Harry's Story

"Been sanctioned for 2 weeks due to a misunderstanding regarding some pay slips for doing a paper round that have been sent off to Job Centre and seem to have got mislaid. Am without finance for food for at least two weeks."

Thank you so much to Harry for sharing his story with us.

New Supermarket Collection Dates Announced!

We can now confirm that the next supermarket collections will take place on the Thursday 27th, Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November 2014 from 10am until 4pm at two Tesco stores – on Frodsham Street and Sealand Road, Chester.

The warehouse has low stocks of a number of items and we need your support to ensure we can continue to provide emergency food to local people in crisis.

At our last collections in July over 4 tonnes of food was donated! Thank you so much again to everyone who volunteered and donated last time. We really hope you can get involved this time and help us make these collections an equal success.

It's so simple to get involved in our supermarket collections. If you're over 16 years of age, and you can spare two hours on one of our collection days please do get in touch. You don't need to have done it before. We've got lots of experienced people who will look after you:) 

If you’d like to get involved, you can now register your interest by emailing supermarket@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk and giving your name and contact details. You can also call the Foodbank Office on 0151 355 7730 Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri between 10 and 12am. 

Our flyer has more details and is available here.

Our July Supermarket Collections.

Megan's Story

"My partner has just moved in with me and our benefits are being readjusted. This has taken three weeks so far. We have no benefits apart from child benefit for two children aged 7 and 5. Our new baby is due in July."

Thanks to Megan for sharing her story with us.

Lily's Story

"I have been sanctioned because I had an appointment for a job search. I went to the appointment, I signed in and signed back out because I was told there were no computers free. I was told to go back which I did but there were still no computers free. Then I was told to make another date to come back. I am still waiting for the appointment to go back."

Thank you to Lily for sharing her story with us.

Kyle's Story

"Me and my family are ever so grateful and touched with the help and support of the church and the Foodbank. We found ourselves in this position due to medical problems me and my partner are unable to do anything about i.e. sick notes etc. not being issued at time of need."

Our thanks to Kyle for sharing his story with us.

1914 - 2014 Has anything changed?

The cast of  "Over by Christmas " from "Theatre in the Quarter"

At the onset of the First World War in 1914, food was rationed and commodities were scarce. Communities united with a common purpose: to help and support each other. 

Today in 2014, the relentless rise of food poverty in Britain has again inspired communities to unite. Hundreds of people donate food and money, and volunteer at West Cheshire Foodbank to support families in crisis.

This photo combines elements of those two eras and celebrates the importance of community support. Our thanks to our stars: the cast of  "Over by Christmas " from "Theatre in the Quarter" dressed as if in 1914 - but distributing food in 2014.  

For more information about the theatre in the quarter please click here.

Alice's Story

"Husband (51) was on ESA (previosly had stroke and epileptic fit). Few weeks ago he was told he was fit for work and he should sign on for JSA. Sent on work programme to college in Ellesmere Port - went and had another stroke and epileptic fit at college. Taken to hospital. Doctors said he wasn't fit. JCP agreed he should be on ESA. No money for over a month. Have said it will be another two weeks before she gets any money. She is legally responsible for grand-daughter."

Thank you so much to Alice for sharing the circumstances that she is facing. Thanks also to the volunteer who listened and took notes for Alice.

Will's Story

"I first used the Foodbank when the jobcentre sanctioned my benefits with complication in applying for hardship payment. I came to the Foodbank as I had no money or food. They helped me with emergency food on several occasions as my sanction went on."

[Volunteer Notes: Will's last benefit was paid into a friends account (at Will's request). The friend spent the money and that is why Will visited today. Possibility of job as barman upcoming.]

Our thanks to Will for sharing his story with us.

Our Little Red Van

Our little red van is a vital asset, supplied to us free by Mitchell Group, and maintained and run with cash donations from our generous supporters. Last month was time to pay our annual insurance. We're delighted that the premium has gone done to £430. 

A massive thank you to our safe van drivers and to everyone who donates to us - we wanted to let you know it now costs less than £10 a week to keep our little red van insured.

Allison's Story

"We have to pay a mortgage, but at the moment rely on benefits, partner looking for work. We get paid fortnightly but one payment goes straight to the mortgage, this leaves us with nothing. We have already been to court about mortgage arrears, if we miss one payment our home will be repossessed."

Our thanks to Allison for sharing her story with us.

Tony's Story

"My immediate situation is I am being moved from JSA to ESA, which led to a delay in my benefits. I was anyway in debt for my bills. I have been signed off for depression and anxiety, and I lost my job in March. Also, I was caught speeding and received three points on my licence which will lead to more costs. There have been life events that may have led to my anxiety and depression and not helped when I needed to get my situation sorted out."

Our thanks to Tony for sharing his story with us.

Trevor's Story

"On the sick for 30 years and I am unable to walk. I have a vertiba pushing in my spine. It is going to get worse. I have medical certificates but in February I failed my medical because for some reason my medical certificates were not available. I have been sending in sick notes ever since and they are taking no notice. I have been told to wait for a "decision maker" to consider my case but no one has done so. I have had £80 hardship payment only and I am having to rely on my family for help."

Our thanks to Trevor for sharing his story with us.

Nicholas' Story

"Unemployed and unable to find any work. On basic level ESA. Desperate to keep present home but insufficient income to make ends meet. Debts of water rates and council tax. Advised to seek support from appropriate agency for debt support. Has problems with both mental and physical health."

Our thanks to Nicholas for wanting to share his story and to the volunteer who took notes on his behalf.

Scott's Story

"I was stopped ESA following an assessment after a knee operation. At the time I was unable to work and I was using crutches but didn't receive any points to continue to qualify for ESA. On the 18th of June my benefits completely stopped. I have not received any money since. I visited [a local advice charity] who are supporting me and have written to jobcentre plus about my situation and that I am not fit enough for work at present. They gave me a voucher for food. Prior to problems with my knees I have worked for various employers and was also in the army for two and a half years. I would like to work if I was not suffering with knee problems. I have ongoing appointments, treatment and possibly further surgery."

Our thanks to Scott for sharing his story with us.

Amanda's Story

"Amanda has recently split from a 19 year relationship. Her partner was in full time work. Went to housing benefit to claim council tax and housing benefit and was told to claim online. Amanda can't operate a computer but a friend helped her. She finds it difficult to understand forms. Would have been happier to fill in a paper form but was not given this choice. The jobcentre rang to confirm what she had entered online and asked her to go for interview. She was told she should leave her 12 and 10 year old children alone whilst she went to work. Understandably, she won't do this. Gone to doctor and has sick note for two weeks. No compassion shown for her situation - she understands that the government say women have to work but her whole world has just been turned upside down. Told she was fit to work 16hrs a week which would increase when children back at school. Will not leave her children alone all day."

Our thanks to Amanda for sharing her story with us and to the volunteer who took these notes on her behalf.

Jesse's Story

"The reason for my crisis is because of my benefits being delayed and I had nothing whatsoever and nobody to ask for some help. But my JSA should be sorted out very soon as it is being looked into."

Our thanks to Jesse for sharing this story with us. 

Joshua's Story

"I'm here today because I have no food or money. For the last two years I have been on a reduced rate of ESA. I had an accident in work. I have damaged my spine. I have had an MRI scan that shows bulging in my neck and lower back. So from my accident I lost my health, home, job and so found myself homeless. But I am not homeless anymore I just have a low income and lots of debt."

Thank you so much to Joshua for sharing his story with us.

Victoria's Story

"I missed an appointment with the Work Programme and was sanctioned by the DWP. I had contacted the Work Programme provider informing them of my illness however they still reported to the DWP my non attendance and I have to appeal to DWP with evidence from my G.P."

Our thanks to Victoria for sharing her story with us.

Michel's Story

"The reason why I am homeless is a family breakdown. me drink but no violence made prisoner in my own home my daughter who is 16yrs does go round with the wrong crowd and does drink arguments arose which made it a family breakdown. You don't think it's going to happen to you well think again."

Ou thanks to Michel for sharing this story with us.

Samuel's Story

"Samuel is suffering from long-standing physical and emotional health problems. His doctor is signing medical forms regularly. He has not had any payment since April 2014. Living with his brother who has himself had his benefits recently sorted out and has been doing his best to help out his brother."

Our thanks to Samuels for sharing his story with us and to the volunteer who took these notes on his behalf.

George's Story

"I have had no money since April, which was a hardship payment. They say I am waiting for a decision maker to decide if I am entitled to any money. They told me to sign on for JSA, but wouldn't let me sign on for JSA as they could see I was not able to work. Plus I had a sick note from my doctor saying I am not well enough for any type of work."

Our thanks to George for sharing his story with us.

An Unexpected and Thoughtful Donation! Received with Thanks

Last week the employees of Bank of America had a 5 day collection event for our Foodbank and collected an impressive 191 kilos of food and toiletries! While we were unloading their donation back at the warehouse we noticed that they had included a copy of Jack Monroe’s book of budget recipes. What an excellent and very thoughtful addition. Holding the banner are Emily, Emma and Rachel. Thank you to everyone who was involved and donated food.

Proud Of Foodbank: Aggrieved It Is Needed

As volunteers gathered together recently, we spent some time looking back and celebrating what we, as a relatively young charity, have achieved together so far.

We are thankful first of all, for each other as volunteers. Foodbank is truly the community helping the community and we celebrate all those involved. This includes each of the volunteers meeting clients week by week and also the many people involved whose faces you may not see because they are working diligently behind the scenes; processing vouchers in the office, delivering food in the van or sorting deliveries at our warehouse. There are also more than one hundred people who host a collection box and many, many more who donate food. We’re also thankful to each of the assessing agencies who give out vouchers. It was good to be reminded of the huge number of people working together to help local people who are in crisis and who need emergency food.

There is truly much to be celebrated in how we have been able to respond to need, yet still much to grieve over as we reflect that food poverty should not be a part of anyone's life.

Supermarket Collection Honours!

We salute the hard work and commitment of the people who made the supermarket collections on Thursday 3^rd, Friday 4^th and Saturday 5^th July 2014 such a success.

Our roll of honour is available here.

July Newsletter Out Now!

Click here to see a copy of our latest newsletter for July 2014!

Anna and Kate Raise A Staggering £270!

[Image: Anna Davies (left) and Kate Duerden (right), presenting their donation to Mike Meynell, Foodbank Trustee.]

A 13 year old from Chester, Anna Davies from Guilden Sutton, listened to a presentation from West Cheshire Foodbank at her local church in October 2013 and was so challenged and inspired by what she heard that she decided to do something about it. She talked to her good friend, Kate Duerden from Waverton, and they decided on a course of action.

Anna and Kate are doing their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and, for the volunteering section of their award, chose to raise funds for their local Foodbank. Over a 3-month volunteering period they sold cakes whenever and wherever they could. Kate even got her dad to take and sell some at work! Anna and Kate have raised a staggering £270 for the Foodbank through their cake sales and are very happy in the knowledge that their efforts will help and support local people in crisis enduring food poverty.

Everyone at West Cheshire Foodbank would like to send a huge “thank you” to Anna and Kate for all their hard work and dedication in raising funds for the Foodbank. Very well done to both of you!

Welcome to David, our New Trustee

We're delighted that David Stone has recently joined the Board of Trustees at West Cheshire Foodbank with oversight of our finances. David lives in Great Sutton with his wife, Lesley, and was employed as Group Accountant by Wirral Borough Council until his retirement 12 months ago. As a qualified accountant he brings valuable skills to the organisation and we're thankful for his time and support.

Inspirational Generousity!

A couple of weeks ago we had an email from Rex, a student at the University of Chester, He asked if we could collect a donation of food he had purchased for us.  Rex donated over 100 kilos of food to Foodbank and repeated this the following week with 150 kilos more - with an inspirational note included in each bag of food.

Rex was reluctant at first to have his picture taken with his second donation as he wasn't seeking any sort of praise or validation. We're delighted that he eventually agreed however because we think what he has done is inspirational and we wanted to share that with you.

Supermarket Collections

Thank you so much to everyone who generously donated food at yesterday's supermarket collections and to each of the volunteers who made it possible. It was fun and there are two more days to go... starting very soon at a supermarket near you!

Luke's Story

"I am 62 years old; I spent the last 2 years in Spain, but the Spanish economy went into reverse and I had no choice but to return to the UK. This government passed a law on 01.01.2014 to make themselves look good by clamping down hard on immigration. I have been told I am not entitled to any benefits - JSA, ESA, Pension Credits - until I have been back in the UK for 3 months (i.e. 16/07/2014). There has been no offer of any financial help whatsoever interim. I have been surviving, just on food given to me at the Foodbank, and the charity meals from various Christian churches in the [local] area.

Without these charitable donations I would just have to go hungry! I am staying at [a local] hostel that operates a 'safe seat' policy - meaning I am entitled only to an upright armchair, not a bed, and I am not guaranteed that. I've spent some time on the streets as my 'safe seat' accommodation has been over subscribed! It is a horrible existence for a man of my age, and a true indictment of government policy."

We really appreciate the fact that Luke has shared his story with us. Thank you Luke.