With the country in turmoil, where members of the government t publicly announce their delight at the epidemic of foodbank support nationwide, ( Cheryl Murray ) we caught up with the project co ordinator, let’s call her Tara, because thats her name, at the Glasgow North East foodbank to talk about how her foodbank is making a difference in that area of the city.
We wanted to get a real feel of exactly how a foodbank works on a day to day basis.
Its not quite what the papers say…in fact, its nothing like what they would lead us to believe..
The foodbank deals with reality, a harsh reality for some, and remains completely unjudgemental. after all, there but for the grace of god.
It offers sanctuary, and that wee bit of help needed to get clients back on their feet.
Acknowledging the real reasons visitors come on a daily basis, where they often queue outside, there is no finger pointing or blame.
And there is a genuine desire to help.
It takes a lot to decide to use a foodbank, an amount of courage that is beyond the imagination of most of us, and when they get there, it is essential that a client is not made to feel any worse.
They are met by people who want to help. And help they do, in more ways than just giving food…
It may be an empathetic ear is required, perhaps a bit of advice on welfare rights, or something as basic as a haircut.
All of these combine to make the client feel that little bit better about things.
Reminding them that someone does care, and the imprtance of this cannot be underestimated.
One could argue that it shouldn’t be down to a charity to provide this kind of help. but in the real world, someone has to, and so the foodbank is there.
There’s no pretence that the staff-mostly volunteers-are trained social workers, but their experience stands them in good stead to deal with each individual at a very high standard, which in turn makes the client feel more comfortable about their situation.
There’s no immediate solution to all their problems on hand, but the foodbank has been known to help out with the important things that do make a difference, such as furniture, clothes, baby items and toiletries. -all essentials, and all beyond the immediate reach of clients
There is a plan to help with sanitary products as the foodbank continues to widen its range of products-almost like a shop, in one sense.
Except these are all essentials, and all beyond the immediate reach of customers.
Things that solve those problems, that can allow a client to draw breath and remove , to an extent, the stress that comes hand in hand with their situation, which can allow them the chance to begin to rebuild.
What kind of people use foodbanks ?
When we finally managed to get a word in, Tara explained to us that…
There is no ‘stereotypical foodbank user.’
As someone who has accessed a foodbank on a few occasions due to sanctions/xmas struggles, it’s offensive to assume that would then automatically mean I had addiction issues or spent money on sky tv & designer clothing.
Mums, dad’s, teens, grans, young people, veterans. All experiencing hardship.
We have seen it all in the foodbank.
Visitors who become Volunteers and vice Versa.
We will continue to do what we can to help ease the burden food poverty so many are facing across the north east of Glasgow.
And continue they do…
They’re setting up a listening service, with the Samaritans on board. Many clients have confessed to dark thoughts of self harm, and this will again offer a little bit of help to overcome them.
a recent community dinner was held to help raise awareness of the elderly who live in isolation, and they are going to start a course to help empower women, which again shows the diversity of service provided at what is modestly called a “foodbank “
It’s much more than that.
or you can follow on twitter @GlasgowNE
Now…that’s a WORTHY article…
Well done Ralph.
PS: No that yer ithers urny worthy ken….:0)
Excellent article, there but for the grace of God go I indeed.
God bless those who donate and those who volunteer.
The story of Celtic’s formation, the reason we are here & the hope that Celtic brought to people with nothing, is the reason i support the club.
Times can be hard at different times in life, financially, emotionally and challenging, if you have hope in your heart though, you have something.
Foodbanks as a part of 21st Century Britain is helpful to so many, yet it is a disgrace there is a need for them at all.
Successive Governments should hang their heads in shame.
I remember during the miners strike in the 80’s, my mum and dad weren’t too well off & they had to go to this council run flat for Milk & Butter, i was young at the time and didn’t understand why they struggled at times, it wasn’t until many years later i bumped into one of my parents old neighbours, she told me everybody had it hard in the 70’s & 80’s, but i don’t remember seeing unhappy people going about, people seemed ok with life, i think that has changed now.
*I didn’t vote tory today at the polls!
HH
The spirit of Walfrid is still alive
Ralph,
A very true reflection on the biggest shame of our time. I know, simply because I see them, that most visitors to the food banks are “poor”, the real poor who have been left behind in so many, many ways by our oh so developed and civilised society. We shed tears at the starvation in the “Third World” yet are ever ready to judge and condemn the hungry and neglected here at home as though one group is a victim of its country’s circumstances while the other is nothing short of parasitical. While politicians condemn the so called “benefit cheats” who, in their well-informed experience, steal from the rest of society, they shamefacedly stand with hands in their pockets and accept no responsibility whatsoever for the financial, food, social welfare and healthcare famine that is ravaging our country today. I lay this charge against all political parties. It is time to stop schoolboy politicking and fucking do something effective and worthwhile. You are right, Ralph, about counselling and other services entering the realm of food bank volunteers. Anyone who has seen or been involved with food banks will realise there is an increasing need to provide more than just food, clothes etc. More and more we see so many things that once came under the remit of social services now being administered and expected at food banks. At the same time over 500 hundred political worthies do their Pilate impersonations and wash their hands of any responsibility. “Nothing to be seen here, Jimmy. I must focus on the bigger issues like securing my own future when I lose my seat or making sure I keep the “big boys” happy or who can we bomb next.”
God bless our poor for they give us purpose, raise us to a higher cause and keep us focused on what is at the very heart and soul of Celtic FC.
H H
Ralph,
I meant to add for those that say this is not football, no it is not but IT IS CELTIC!
H H
PB,
Excellent pal!
I looked out this morning and the sun was gone,
turned on some music, to start my day,
I lost myself in a pointed song,
I closed my eyes and it slipped away.
Because it was more than a feeling,
that those humans endure,
the loneliness of the poor,
it just cracks you up,
to see them arms outstretched,
with their tin cup,
begging to survive,
it makes you realize,
that, that could be you or your family.
Well done Ralphy, to awaken our consiounce.