This month’s ‘Did you know’ article comes from our new Parish Councillor for Camelot Ward, Mark Pinks.
I’ve been volunteering at Clifton NG11 Foodbank since 2014. Serving Clifton, Ruddington, and all of the NG11 area, the Foodbank has helped over 1,000 individuals in crisis with food and support since 2013. Our clients come from all walks of life, and there are many causes of financial crisis, such as benefit changes, debt, redundancy, unemployment, ill health, or even an unexpected bill on a low income.
After being issued with a voucher from one of many referral agencies in the area (including schools, doctors, and social workers), we assess clients’ needs over a hot drink, and provide a three day emergency food parcel, essential toiletries, and even baby food when possible.
We also provide many other services to help our clients break out of the poverty cycle; signposting to further help, advising on DWP hardship funds, energy bill and budgeting advice, and referrals to further agencies and charities. We can even provide a little help with emergency fuel card vouchers, and a free three course meal at the fantastic Parkgate Community Kitchen.
We rely on generous food donations from the public, and the people of Ruddington have given us some wonderful support over the years. Next time you’re in the village to pick up some groceries, why not buy an extra item, and pop it in one of our collection baskets – a packet of cereal, sponge puddings, a tin of tomatoes, or even a tube of toothpaste will make all the difference to someone.
In Ruddington, we have collection baskets at the Honeycomb charity shop, at St Peter’s Rooms, and at the Co-Op (near the tills), as well as collection points at ASDA in West Bridgford, and Wilkos and Morrisons in Clifton. Find us at the Hope Centre, Southchurch Drive, Clifton on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, visit us at https://cliftonng11.foodbank.org.uk, or search ‘NG11Foodbank’ on Facebook and Twitter.
Councillor Mark Pinks