Rising demand for support group’s city street feeds
COVENTRY-BASED non-profit organisation Sky Blue Support has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of families needing support since the cost of living crisis.
Sunny Braitch, who set up the support group in February 2021, told Coventrylive a lot more people who have jobs are starting to struggle.
Volunteers at the group have fed thousands across the city and continue to be there for anyone who needs it “no questions asked”. Sunny said anyone who needs support can message Sky Blue Support over Facebook or Instagram and a food parcel will be delivered to their home.
He said their page on Facebook is constantly getting messages and people are so grateful for what they’re doing. “People private message me saying don’t tell anyone please,” he added. “I say look, don’t worry it’s all confidential if I drop food off to you don’t worry. It can happen to anyone.
“We ask them what they like, what they need and they’re so grateful for it. And sometimes I never see them again because they’ve been paid. But some people are continuous users and there’s no questions asked. Drop us a message and we’ll get someone out to you.”
Sunny works full-time at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire but said Sky Blue Support will drop parcels round to people’s homes and to those who are homeless, all week. Every Saturday, the group will have a hot food stand in either Hillfields or Willenhall, so those who cannot afford a hot meal, can go and have one.
“I’ve always helped people,” Sunny added. “I go to the Sikh Temple a lot and I always got a buzz from helping and serving.
“And then I noticed there was charity looking for volunteers wanting to do street feeds, so I volunteered with them and just thought there was more places in the city that needed support. So I thought, I’m going to try and set up my own. I was never going to give up.”
They’re currently being inundated with support and donations from supermarkets and the Sky Blue Tavern. recently Binley Mega Chippy and Get Stuffed also joined the efforts.
Sunny said it was “ace” and there was “so much food”. This Saturday (June 25) they will also be joined by the New Oak Inn for the feed in Willenhall.
Sky Blue Support are asking anyone who might be able to help them out with a van, to get in touch - you can email Sbs.skyblue@gmail.com or search for Sky Blue Support on Facebook and Instagram.
We ask them what they like, what they need and they’re so grateful for it. And sometimes I never see them again because they’ve been paid. Sunny Braitch