March 2021 Newsletter

Welcome to the March newsletter!

Referrals are up quite substantially from last year, with the biggest increase being from families with children. The pandemic has clearly had a devastating impact into the financial situation of some families, with redundancies, reduced hours and gaps in furlough. Many of the new referrals have faced financial insecurity before and we’d encourage anyone who is struggling to realise that they are not alone in these unprecedented times, and to please ask for help.

We have recently introduced a self referral scheme, which means that people can refer themselves without having to go via the usual routes of schools, social work, health visitors and so on – these avenues will of course remain very much open. Self referrals can be done via email on [email protected], or by phone on 01721 588654, although it should be noted that the phone is only manned during office hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. We hope this will encourage those who had no previous contact with external agencies to come forward for a bit of help. Conditions will apply.

The Foodbank is currently recruiting for two new trustees to join the Board of Trustees. This involves attending 4 meetings a year, plus the AGM, and we are particularly interested in recruiting younger members of the community, or those who have lived experience of using a foodbank. Please contact Fiona on 01721 588654 for a role description and an application form.

We were given a huge number of easter eggs from Cadbury’s and have asked the community to nominate some deserving children to recieve them. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response and so moved to hear of children who have had to deal with grief, trauma and loneliness during the pandemic, and who have been unfailingly brave, kind and helpful. A chocolate egg seems scant reward, but hopefully brighter days are coming. Thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate a child.

We’d like to give a massive thank you to local food suppliers Forsyths the butchers who gave us steak pies for our deliveries, and to the Fat Batard baker, who gives us any unsold bread – we’ve now got a freezer in the warehouse, so we can keep things fresh. We’d also like to thank the hundreds of people who donate every month through one of the supermarkets, we are so grateful for every tin and packet that comes our way. It never fails to amaze us how much support we get from the local community. We really are lucky to live here.

On that note, at the moment we have a few shortages, so please think about putting something from the list in one of the collection points at Sainsbury’s and Tesco in Peebles, or the Co-Op in Innerleithen or West Linton. We need sugar (small bags), snack bars, crisps, instant mash, sponge puddings, toilet rolls, washing up liquid and cleaning materials. Thanks so much in advance!

Wishing you all a safe and healthy easter!

All the best from the team at the Peeblesshire Foodbank

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