Old carpet shop being used as a food bank for lockdown
A FORMER carpet shop which has been largely unused since lockdown has been turned into a food bank to help struggling families during lockdown.
The former Carpet Clearance Centre, on the corner of Ferry Street and Main Street, Stapenhill, was taken over by The Community Church, some years ago, with plans to use it for community and church activities.
However, due to lockdown, many of these activities have been unable to take place and the shop stood unused.
So to use the space, the Community Church members, who are largely based at the former Holy Rosary Church, in Main Street, Stapenhill, joined forces with local woman Lorna Smith to run a food bank. The Food Help Service is operating on Mondays and Fridays from the former shop.
Dawn Charles, leader of The Community Church, said: “In addition to our Main Street building, we took on the lease of the old carpet shop at the end of 2019. Our plan was to use the shop as a base for lots of community and church activities including youth drop ins and activities to tackle loneliness. Then covid-19 happened and the shop has been largely unused until Lorna approached us.”
Ms Smith is a freelance mental health worker and part of The Community Church. She has spent her time during lockdown helping those who find themselves struggling to put food on the table.
As a result of her work, which she has given the title ‘Community Cans Can Help,’ she has gathered support from several businesses keen to donate item to help people in need.
She said: “When the first lockdown happened I just wanted to do all I could to help those in need. Lots of people offered to donate food for me to distribute and then I started getting in contact with businesses and it’s just grown from there.
“I began to realise that I could help more people if I had a base, so I approached The Community Church about working together and using [the former carpet shop].
Ms Charles said: “As we chatted we realised that, with Lorna’s contacts and enthusiasm and our venue and volunteers, we may just be able to start something which can make a real difference to the people of Stapenhill.
“We were keen to get this project off the ground as soon as we possibly could so we’ve worked really hard to put all the relevant risk assessments in place and to recruit volunteers within two weeks.
“Stapenhill Parish Council has been really supportive too and has given a donation to get us started and Lorna has been tirelessly working to collect donations from various businesses including Tesco, Stapenhill Post office, local cash and carrys and many other local businesses.
“We are aware that there are several organisations in Burton who are already doing exceptional work in the area of food poverty and we’re especially grateful to the YMCA who have wholeheartedly supported us, even offering very practical help and advice.
“Our work is much more low key than their incredible food bank, but I think there is an awareness among all those working in this area that, while food poverty is at the levels we’re currently seeing, we all need to do whatever we can to work together and help those who need it most.
“We opened our doors for the first time on Monday, February 1, and were able to give away whatever we have. To receive a food parcel, people simply need to be genuinely in need and bring proof of their name and address.”
The Food Help Service will operate every Monday and Friday from 10.30am to 1pm from 63 Main Street, Stapenhill.
Donations of all food and toiletry items will also be gladly accepted during these times. For more information or to donate, call Lorna on 07850 588672 or email info@tcc. org.uk