Colchester Food Bank Gears Up For Christmas

Colchester Foodbank is gearing up for Christmas. ‘December is the biggest month’ points out Michael Beckett, Chief Officer, seen here on the left, talking to a volunteer working for local Colchester organization, Signpost.

Signpost is a Colchester based organization that assists getting people back on their feet, with skills training, job searching and CV writing.

Colchester Foodbank has approximately ninety volunteers. Some of the strain has been taken off the organization recently with the start of three local lunch clubs, which the food bank also supports. The Foodbank also have an outlet in Wivenhoe.

Image courtesy of the Colchester Gazette: Michael Beckett

'Because of Universal Credit demand has increased by around 10%' says, Michael. Although the idea was that the first payment of Universal Credit should be paid within thirty-five days, locally it is still considered to be around 40 days and more.

The Homeless account for around 3% of customers and students with more ‘term’ left than grant money, accounting for about 1%. Being able to budget is a key skill say the team. Unfortunately, the Food Bank points out there are people who lack written communication skills and those with a lack of IT skills or access to IT altogether. Two very different groups with different problems. However, only about 20% of people are really struggling estimate the Foodbank. 

‘We are here to stop things getting worse’ said Michael, who reeled off a ‘crisis list’ including job loss, homelessness, starvation, children malnourished and the risk of social services getting involved. Michael has run a Citizens Advice Bureau and was a director of Mind and he feels his range of acquired skills and knowledge gives him a deep insight into people and their needs.

Image: Customers get a warm welcome at the Colchester Foodbank. 

 All the major political parties have visited the Food Bank except UKIP it was pointed out. No one seemed sure what effect a No Deal Brexit might have? 

A lot of people donate right before Christmas. If you plan to do this, please just bear in mind that the Colchester Foodbank gets very busy at this time.

Colchester Foodbank is currently the sixth most popular food bank in the UK. Michael asks that anyone who feels like helping can additionally ‘Like’ their Facebook page.

Click here if you want to 'Like' Colchester Foodbank: 

 If you would like to donate or volunteer then please just visit the website:

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