Harry's Story

"End of 2014, borrowed £200 from someone. Paid some back but, no receipts, then they want more next time. He said others were threatening him (loan shark) so must get money. Went to his mothers and threatened to take house to pieces and torch car. Nearly at an end. He has paid several thousand pounds. Will contact illegal money lending team after I give him the info."

Thank you so much to Harry for sharing his experience with us and to the volunteer who listened.

Sean's Story: "No food except for friends sharing with me yesterday"

"On a zero hours contract and getting hardly any work. Getting into debt as a result. Having to wait 10 days more for benefits. Debt counselling from CAB who found I had no benefits and issued a voucher. No food except for friends sharing with me yesterday."

Thanks to everyone who shares why they need emergency food from us.

A meeting of minds...

This week, our Chair of Trustees, Rev. Christine Jones attended an event where we had the opportunity to reflect on what we need to do to tackle poverty. Below is a summary of that reflection.

"I was drawn to become involved with Foodbank because I have a professional background in food education and care about the life-giving, community-building capacity associated with the growing, cooking and preparing of fresh foods. But over the last three years I have spent with Foodbank, through my conversations with those involved, I have become increasingly concerned about issues relating to the crisis model we operate:

- the stigma associated with a red voucher

- requiring that people in crisis situations go from ‘pillar to post’ to receive food

- the vulnerability of volunteers listening to stories of hardship

- the lack of alternative options for people with complex and enduring needs

- the loss, across our society, of the skills and understanding needed to create a meal from the foods in the crisis bag, as well as the need for cooking equipment

- and the way that charitable models often keep people in crisis in a subservient role.

Over 3 years, West Cheshire Foodbank has provided enough food for 14,000 people to eat properly for three days. But for me, there is an enduring sense of a waste of human life that so many people have little option but to rely on charity to meet their needs. It is these concerns that shape my reflection regarding ‘ What we need to do to tackle poverty’.

I believe the starting place is important. There is a real need to listen to people living in poverty as a priority. ‘Anything about us, without us is not for us’  is the strap line for a model of listening which has been pioneered by the ‘Poverty Truth Commission’ in Glasgow. The approach of the PTC is to share stories in ways which build trust and embrace people struggling in poverty working alongside key decision-makers. This is the starting place for shaping response to actual need. In seeking to tackle poverty, I would endeavor to establish inclusive, trusting relationships where people and organisations are encouraged to work collaboratively in their local communities. Many urban high streets have lived with decline in recent years. Central to those communities are empty shops which stand as places where new life could be generated through the sharing of common tasks. I believe it is essential to take grass-roots approaches to community building which embrace a wider participation. In really listening to the experts who live with poverty, resource could then be re-directed and support provided within communities where neighbours will work together.

West Cheshire Foodbank is endeavoring to involve people struggling with poverty with every aspect of the operation and to learn from this expertise. In seeking an exit strategy, WCFB will be working with Edge Hill University to build the capacity of volunteers and explore whether new sustainable initiatives can be established around cooking, growing and be-friending. We also hope to explore the value of replacing the warehouse and associated costs through establishing local community shops. At a local government level, we will also continue to support Cheshire West and Chester Council who have agreed to establish a Poverty Truth Commission in West Cheshire. In and throughout any development, and working collaboratively with partner organisations, our firm commitment is to develop relationships which genuinely empower people living in poverty."

A "Meeting of Minds" was coordinated by the Institution for Public Policy and Professional Practice at Edge Hill University, The Centre for Local Economic Strategy and the Webb Memorial Trust. If you have any comments specifically relating to what we have shared above please email Alec Spencer: devofficer@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk. For general inquiries please email info@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or call 0151 355 7730.

Foodbank Upgrades Van Thanks to Community Donations

Luisa, Chris and Ali celebrate the result of the hard work of staff at Lloyd's Banking Group.

Generous donations from across the community, - including from Lloyds Banking Group, Essar Oil UK, Plus Dane Housing, Mecca Bingo, TWP Solutions and local councillors as well as many private donations - mean that West Cheshire Foodbank has been able to replace the existing vehicle with one that is safer and more efficient.

Martin Dick, Trustee at West Cheshire Foodbank said “The response from our local community has been massive. We keep getting overwhelmed by just how generous everyone has been. Enough money has now been donated to allow us not only to replace our van but to cover our vehicle running costs for a whole year. We're also really thankful to Offleys for supporting us by heavily discounting our breakdown cover and insurance."

He continued “The design of this van will make lifting and moving stock much easier and safer for our volunteers and the larger size will help us to be more efficient too.”

Alec Spencer, Development Officer at West Cheshire Foodbank said “On behalf of everyone at West Cheshire Foodbank, I’d like to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You!’ to everyone who has worked so hard to raise the money we needed for this van. It will make a big difference to our small charity.”

The team at Lloyd's Banking Group celebrate the result of their hard work.

Mecca Bingo celebrate the result of their hard work.

The operations group at Foodbank celebrate the result of their hard work.

New Centre Opens in Lache

In partnership with Lache Community Development Trust, West Cheshire Foodbank is pleased to announce that the charity will be open at Hawthorn House in Lache every Friday between 12am and 2pm from the 13th November onwards.

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Emma Greenwood, Operations Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank said:

"Every month, hundreds of local people visit our Foodbank to feed themselves and their families. We hope that this new centre will make it easier for people to exchange their voucher for food during what is often a very difficult and stressful time. 

We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the people we've been working with in Lache who have helped us to reach this stage and who have been so supportive and patient as we learn how best to meet the needs of our friends and neighbours together."

Petra Greener, Administration Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank added:

“We all occasionally need help and I’d encourage anyone who is finding it difficult to afford food to visit one of the 50 organisations we work with that hold vouchers.

They’ll quickly understand your situation and may give you a voucher which you can exchange for 3 days of food for you and your family. In Lache, you can visit Lache and Handbridge Children's Centre, Lache Primary School or Sanctuary Housing Group (Lache Office).

Please do just get in touch with our team if you have any questions by calling 0151 355 7730, emailing info@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or tweeting us @WestCheshireFB.”

I've lost my job and my working tax credits...

"In hospital 4 times this year - 3 for operations and once with pneumonia & pleurisy. I have been working as a cleaner/ dinner lady/ barmaid. I have lost one of my jobs and the other doesn't pay if I can't work. Now lost my working tax credits because I am not working enough hours. I have persistent abcesses on groin and coccyx, long-term antibiotics and another operation to come."

Thanks to Susan for sharing this with us.