IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
We spoke to an important food bank in Islington, who have been key in helping us reach people most in need of help in our borough. The organisers have shared some of the stories that service users told them on how useful the gift vouchers have been, especially around Christmas time.
Please also see our recent video which explains our current work with the Hilldrop Community Centre.
Paula* sent us this video note after a voucher helped to make her Christmas a little easier.
Janette* is a mother with three children under ten on benefits long term, no savings and usually unable to buy her children anything they liked or wanted for Christmas.
“I always dreaded Christmas, but for the first time in a long time, the whole family was excited. We went and got a catalogue from Argos and everybody was allowed to choose a gift up to the value of £10! I made them choose at least five things so they would not know exactly what they were getting.
It brought tears to my eyes to see the children actually excited about Christmas. Instead of the constant arguing, they would spend hours choosing and choosing again. It really killed the boredom and brought the children and the family closer together. I didn’t have time to constantly worry about how I was going to get the children presents, and although things were still hard, it helped to relieve the pressure and depression.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the ladies for giving these vouchers and to thank the food bank for choosing me. I thought it was a trick at first as I could not believe I did not have to give my life story and answer 100 questions. Thank you, thank you, Thank you!"
Patrice* is a refugee with no recourse to public funds. She depends on the generosity of foodbanks for most of her meals and lives in one room that is shared by several others.
"I was able to use my vouchers to get my own bedding. The feeling of snuggling up in my own duvet that would only be used by me was unbelievable. Believe you me, I slept like a baby, I was so warm and cozy. I am not used to the cold in this country and was always freezing and in pain in my bones. Being able to sleep properly has made a big difference in my life. It’s kind of like I have my own nice warm space. I am saving the rest of my voucher to try and buy the cheapest mobile phone so I can be in contact with people. It will also help me to find work. I thank you so much for your act of kindness and thinking about people like us."
Alice* is a pensioner who worked for over 30 years, but is now dependent on a government pension and is finding it difficult to make ends meet since losing her partner 10 years ago.
“It has been very lonely since losing my partner, at times I have felt suicidal. Fortunately, I have received a lot of support from my local foodbank emotionally and financially. I have also made friends there. I used to try and learn the computers at the food bank drop in before COVID lockdown. Since the lockdown, they have encouraged me to use the internet more to order things and keep myself busy so I am not so bored.
Imagine that I would one day receive vouchers that I would be able to spend online. I made sure that I learnt how to do it and do it properly. I am so proud of myself and I was able to buy something that as really helped with my health and my circulation."
* Names have been changed for anonymity.
Registered Charity Number 1197328