The cost of living, inflation & wages stagnating have caused increased requests for assistance with utilities, food & housing issues. We’ve seen an increase in working people attending the foodbanks due to rising food, fuel, childcare & clothing costs. Residents experience increased levels of stress due to rising costs are struggling to access services due to stigma, lack of knowledge about support available compounded by isolation 70% of children we work with are affected by food insecurity.

By providing community meals with service providers informally involved they are able to share information & build trusted relationships with vulnerable people leading them to access services. By providing hot meals at every afterschool and holiday scheme session means that every child has the opportunity for a hot meal all year round. The home cooked healthy food is cooked by volunteers; people eat and meet new people which reduces isolation and improves mental wellbeing.