New Telford & Wrekin partnership to help those in need
A new partnership has been established in Telford & Wrekin to put in place emergency provisions for those in desperate need.
Redundancy, homelessness, illness, benefit delay, domestic violence, debt, family breakdown and the rising cost of fuel and food are just some of the reasons why people are struggling to cope with the cost of living.
Consisting of a number of local public, private and third sector organisations, including Telford and Wrekin Citizens Advice Bureau and Telford & Wrekin Council, Telford Crisis Network has a wealth of experience and understanding of the complex needs of individuals and families in financial crisis.
Their first priority has been to open a food bank in Telford, and this is now up and running. Food and other essential items are donated by the public.
Emergency parcels are then sorted by volunteers and distributed to various collection points across the borough for people most in need.
Lyn Brayne, Chief Executive of Telford and Wrekin Citizens Advice Bureau, and Chair of Telford Crisis Network said: “Anyone can find themselves in a crisis situation at any time. The important thing is that they ask for help if they need it.
“Food banks are becoming increasingly important for people up and down the country and the situation is no different here.
“We have been very fortunate so far with local support. People have been very generous with their food donations and these have really made a difference, but it is important for us to sustain our food supplies.
“We are also appealing for help from individuals or organisations who might be able to give some time to help us run the food bank.”
Non-perishable food items such as tea, coffee, longlife milk/juice, squash, cereals, pasta/rice/noodles/pulses, biscuits/crackers, tinned meat/fish/fruit/soup and packet sauces, desserts are required.
Baby products including formula milk, nappies, wipes and baby food are also needed as are toiletries such as soap, deodorant, ladies sanitary products, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrushes and razors.
Councillor Clive Elliott, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet spokesman on Food Banks, said: “Research shows that Food Banks have a positive impact on local communities as they can help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
“This is a much needed scheme for the borough and I urge as many people to support it as possible.
“If you’re able to place a few extra items into your shopping trolley it will really help, or even just check through your cupboards for any non perishable items you may no longer want. If everyone can do something small, the overall impact will be great, but if you can do something bigger, even better!
Donation points are currently available at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Tan Bank, Wellington, Telford & Wrekin Council First Point at Addenbrooke House in Telford Town Centre and Park Lane Centre in Woodside. We are looking to increase this over the coming months.
For more information on Telford Crisis Network, the food bank provision and volunteering opportunities, visit www.telfordfoodbank.org.uk.
