Southport Foodbank at work during lockdown

Newly unemployed and those self employed – who have been left “virtually destitute” by the lockdown – have been helped by Southport Foodbank in the last week.

Meanwhile, generous locals responded to the Foodbank emergency appeal, donating what they could afford to help Foodbank, which is operated by Compassion Acts.

Richard Owens, Compassion Acts CEO, said, “I am so proud of our team running Foodbank and Food Pantry sessions in the first week of lockdown in extraordinary circumstances. 100 vouchers were processed, including newly unemployed and those in self employment who are virtually destitute. However, I’d like to remind our voucher holders that this provision is for emergency food aid, according to Trussell criteria, and not for those who are housebound. Food donations from the public are intended for the most vulnerable and economically challenged and that is what we’ll continue.

“We will signpost others to the Sefton Council scheme for home deliveries and outreach to those in self isolation at home.”

The Food Pantry at Bishop David Shepherd Primary School in High Park, and at Grace Church in the town centre, continued to serve members, despite the challenges, including 10 new families identified by partners in Social Services.

Richard added, “Our Welfare Benefits Advisers are continuing to work hard to assist people by telephone. But we are now most concerned at what will come our way in the months ahead – and that is why we are now appealing for more regular monthly givers. We’re also desperate for hand sanitisers and sturdy bags, if anyone can help out in bulk. Thanks last week to Ainsdale Coop for bags and Bloom Care for gloves, but we need more of these items to continue to operate effectively.”

Contact community@compassionacts.uk if you can help with any of these items, or message Southport Foodbank on Facebook.

If you would like to set up a standing order, Compassion Act bank details are as follows: Compassion Acts (registered charity ‪1172948‬) at HSBC Bank, Lord Street. Southport. Sort code: ‪40-42-30‬, Account Number: ‪52071665‬.

Foodbank distribution sessions have been streamlined and are:

Mon/Wed/Fri 1pm-3pm Lakeside Church, side entrance by car park

Tues/Thurs 1pm-3pm Ainsdale Methodist Church.