For many of us Christmas is a time of celebration – a wonderful time of the year where we eat, drink and make merry. But for others Christmas is a difficult, stressful time – and it’s bitterly cold too!

Barrow Foodbank have introduced a new initiative that helps provide heating for families over the winter period.

Clients who receive support from the Foodbank will now be able to access support to top up gas and electricity meters too. The scheme is operating in 40 food banks across the country and is being funded by npower, who have made a charitable redress following an Ofgem investigation.

Ann Mills of Barrow Foodbank, said “People who are in food poverty are invariably in fuel poverty, having to choose between eat or heat. Many of the people referred to us have been disconnected or self-disconnected. Barrow Foodbank fully understands that the provision of a total of 10 days food and a fuel voucher is only a “sticking plaster” and will continue to work with our partners, particularly the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to address the underlying problem. We can in the short term, help clients to be able to provide heating for their families during the cold winter months in particular.”

Barrow Foodbank is also looking for people to give their time and help volunteer. Christmas is a very busy time of the year for them, and they are currently short of help.

Have you got 2 hours a week to spare? If so would you be interested in volunteering at the Foodbank?

If so they have vacancies to work in their drop-in centre welcoming clients to the foodbank, offering them a hot drink and something to eat and giving them their food allocation that has been previously packed by warehouse volunteers.

Alternatively you may wish to work in the warehouse where you receive the donated food, thank the donor, weigh and date the food. The food then is sorted into the warehouse to ensure that no food goes out of date, finally the food is packed into boxes ready to be given out.

So, why not pay them a visit and they will show you around and answer any questions you may have, they’re a happy team and you would have all the support you need.

If you have more time to give then please get in touch as there are core roles such as supermarket co-ordinator, administrator or organisational rep that you may be able to help with.

For more details please contact the foodbank on 01229 343436.