Member Article

Foodbank service extended with Coalfields cash

An organisation dedicated to helping people living in poverty and hunger is continuing to deliver its vital services in the Newcastle-under-Lyme area, thanks to £10,000 secured from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP), delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

With the newly acquired funds, Newcastle Staffs Foodbank has been able to strengthen its service as it responds to a rise in demand due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Newcastle Staffs Foodbank, which has been operating in the North Staffordshire region since 2012, has used the financial support to cover rent of the warehouse premises for an additional 12 months and to fund a project lead for the service.

Operating as part of the wider network of franchise foodbanks within the Trussell Trust, Newcastle Staffs Foodbank works in partnership with local organisations who refer those in need. These agencies hold food vouchers and allocate them to those identified as needing support.

Ann King, Fundraising Coordinator for Newcastle Staffs Foodbank, comments: “The reality is that we operate in an area which has a high number of people who are at risk of going hungry. As an organisation, we find this completely unacceptable in today’s society.

“The individuals who use our services are suffering from a range of life challenges, whether it’s redundancy or unemployment, ill health or even homelessness. Without the emergency food we offer, these vulnerable people could go for days, if not longer, without a meal.

“This new funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust will enable us to continue helping these individuals to address and understand their current situation, whilst also finding solutions. We are a lifeline to these communities, and we must continue our work.”

Development Manager for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Steve Abson, comments: “Former coalmining communities sit within some of the most deprived in the UK. As a result, poverty and ill-health can be widespread through these areas, which often leads to hunger-related issues.

“At the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, we realise just how important foodbanks are to local residents, and more importantly the devastating impact that will follow if their services were no longer available.

“Improving the overall health and wellbeing of people living in coalfields sits at the heart of what we do. This is why the Coalfields Regeneration Trust was more than happy to allocate £10,000 to the Newcastle Staffs Foodbank.”

As Newcastle Staffs Foodbank has become a member of the Coalfield Community Investment Programme, it will continue to be supported by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and will receive bespoke practical support. This includes everything from access to resources and services such as help with third-party funding applications and bid-writing, to tips on effective promotion and marketing.

The Coalfields Community Investment Programme supports organisations and programmes of activity that meet with three key criteria; to address skills, employment or health and wellbeing.

Established in 1999, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust is the only organisation dedicated to supporting former mining towns and villages.

Over the years it has helped more than 2m people. More than 25,500 people have been supported into work, 5,500 jobs have been created or safeguarded, 1.3m people have received the necessary support to help improve their skills and gain qualifications and over 250,000 people have participated in activities that have improved their health.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Hill .