Amesbury Foodbank moves into Methodist Church to meet demand

Amesbury Foodbank was set up in Amesbury Methodist Church for the first time on Thursday, March 16.

The "bigger and better" venue for the charitable cause allows volunteers to cook hot meals for the homeless and others who find themselves in need during hard times.

It is open every Tuesday from 11am-1pm and every Thursday from 1-3pm.

Previously held in the Community & Visitor Centre on Flower Lane, the foodbank requires its users to obtain a voucher from a referral agency but anyone facing financial hardship can get one.

Sam Lush, 42, coordinates Amesbury Foodbank and has seen a spike in people accessing the foodbank as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Sam Lush, foodbank coordinator. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

She has seen "time and time again" people accessing the foodbank despite working full-time without any debt due to price rises. Just weeks ago a 99-year-old came for help and Sam has also seen a 16-year-old use the service.

"We have a lot of people turn up and burst into tears. When they come in we sit them down, talk to them and ask what's brought them here. Then we find out how we can help," Sam added.

One foodbank user, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Journal he has £254 per month to live on but this is eaten up by bills "in the first week".

The 60-year-old agency worker said: "I'm worse off this winter than last winter, I managed to survive before but now I can't."

He described the service as a "godsend" adding: "The volunteers are brilliant."

A 'help yourself' table full of long-life food is available through Amesbury Foodbank and donations fund delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables by local business Central Fruits.

This fresh initiative was part of  John Pitt-Brooke's work as chair of trustees at Salisbury Foodbank, he said: "The number of people coming to us for help has gone up and up, but the people of Salisbury have responded fantastically well with donations.

"We are able to serve the people of Salisbury for as long as the need is there."

John Pitt-Brooke. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

If someone is struggling and needs help from the foodbank, Sam would encourage them to reach out for help.

Referral agencies, including GPs, social housing and Wiltshire Council to name a few, can hand out foodbank vouchers.

Volunteer Valerie Commons, 62, has been helping at the Amesbury Foodbank since October 2022 and described the work as "very rewarding".

She added: "It's nice to think that we can help people who need it. We try to make it welcoming for people who come here."

Valerie Commons (Image: Salisbury Journal)

For more details on getting referred to Amesbury Foodbank, visit the Trussel Trust website.