We’ve opened a new hub in Thornton Heath which we hope will make a big impact in the area. Based at St Alban the Martyr church on Grange Road and open each Thursday, we aim to provide some much needed help and support to local residents.
Mona Boateng, the Foodbank hub manager explains “We decided to open another hub, because the need for support is ever increasing. This area of Croydon needed to have something in place where people can receive advice and help.
“It’s in a prominent location and St Albans Church family have been running a food bank for a while, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to partner with them and extend into Croydon”
As is the case for many residents in areas across the UK, there are people in Thornton Heath who really need the extra support and this hub will give them access to a range of different things.
“There is a big demand for help. The cost of everyday living is very real and many people are in a desperate situation” explains Mona.
Extra services available at the hub include “Specialist advisers in benefit and housing, who are grant funded to help people accessing our hubs.
“Trained signposting food bank staff, who can help with completing benefit and grant applications; also generally assist service users.
“Some hubs offer activities, planting, health checks and wellbeing support. Freshly cooked breakfast or lunch and some also offer a limited amount of clothing.”
Mona is a valued member of the Norwood and Brixton Foodbank staff – “I love working for the Foodbank, because I want to do my part in society, so why not do that within my local community.
“It’s a very important role that we play and I’m blessed to be a part of this food bank, where we are a reflection of God’s love.”