CHARITIES in Stratford are joining forces to help families affected by the pandemic.
Stratford’s Foodbank and Citizens Advice South Warwickshire have teamed up to support residents facing hardship.
Following a positive start before Christmas, the project supported over 60 people in its first six weeks.
Julie Newton is the project caseworker on behalf of Citizens Advice South Warwickshire and has been working alongside the foodbank since October. She said: “I was excited to be involved from the start of this project and offer help and advice, whether it’s a benefit issue, employment or any other crisis. It has been inspiring to contact people and make a difference to their lives because otherwise They would not have known where to turn to for help So far, the difficulties people have faced include high energy bills, hospital travel costs and homelessness.”
Those needing parcels from Stratford Foodbank are able to access support from Julie, and all foodbank staff and volunteers are able to make a referral directly to the project.
It is running for 12 months, during which time it aims to help around 200 people build a financially sustainable future for themselves and their families.
Foodbank manager Marion Homer said: “It is sad so many people need our help at the foodbank so our aim is to work out their needs.Together with Citizens Advice South Warwickshire providing longer term advice and solutions, we believe we are edging closer to solving the problems that cause people to be without food.”
