Real Stories

Theresa’s story (in poem).

Money all spent and it wasn’t on rent.

None left for food, what would we do?

Spoke to the jobcentre, what did they say?

Go to the foodbank just for today.

 

Walking in through the doors of the foodbank we went.

I felt shame and concern at the money we’d spent.

“I don’t want to be here, it’s not out of choice”.

But my children were hungry and making a noise.

 

The welcome I had gave me nothing to fear.

A cup of tea was offered with lots of good cheer.

“Come and sit down”, I was put at my ease.

“Would you like chocolate bars”?  “Oh yes please!”

 

“Do you need clothing?” a lady did say.

My daughter chose a cardigan, it made her day!

Every need was covered, we felt so blessed.

When we saw the food it was well in excess!

 

Introductions were made and we started to chat.

I felt I’d been ‘seen’, and I never felt that.

“Come and join our sewing group” Ali invited.

“Yes please” I responded feeling excited.

 

 

Joining the sewing group felt a bit daunting.

But after week one it seemed more exciting.

I learned many new skills it was so much fun.

My situation changed, I felt like I’d won.

 

Giving back to the foodbank has really been great.

And not only that new friendships I’ve made.

Anxiety and depression have really been crushed.

I’m sewing at home now and never feel rushed.

 

I’m now helping others in learning to sew.

This whole ‘belonging’ is helping me grow.

My future looks brighter as the days go by.

Life isn’t perfect and I sometimes still cry.

 

Thank you Vale foodbank for all the support.

Through my journey so far there’s a lot I’ve been taught.

But mostly I thank the God of my heart.

For walking with me in this right from the start.

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Participation work and its impact

We have been engaging in participation work gradually since January 2024 at Vale foodbank.

We began by talking to people using our foodbanks to see if they would like to share their own experiences, we wanted them to realise that their voices are valuable.

Our first discussion group took place in June 2024, these groups have enabled us to shape the work at the foodbank around the needs of the people who need it most.

As a result of ‘hearing the voice of lived experience’ we now run a fortnightly sewing group, cooking group and our community café.

Some of our campaign work has also been driven by these participants and we are seeing change happen.

We asked some of those we’re working with what impact this work is having on them. They said they felt seen, empowered, that they were doing good, felt like they had a job to do, connected.

We have many examples of lives being touched by this work, community is being built and positive change is happening.

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