Newquay Foodbank encourages charities to join forces to offer support
They reveal users of their foodbanks have gone up by 37 percent in the past year
A foodbank in Cornwall is encouraging charities to work together to help better support people in need.
Newquay Foodbank reveal users of their foodbanks have gone up by 37% in the last year.
According to Trussell Trust predictions for the winter, figures for many foodbanks like Newquay could see 55% more people through their door asking for help.
Zoe Nixon, operations manager at Newquay Foodbank, said: "A lot of the households that come to us, there's mental health problems, there's problems with trying to access a GP, there's social support, there's problems with a particular bill.
"They have already tried five or six other things".
In 2021, 1598 people received an Emergency food parcel due to financial crisis.
Zoe added: "They're coming to us at the end of the month when the money has run out, when they've just had to buy school uniform.
"We need to acknowledge as well that these people, these families, they have already tried five or six other things before they come to our foodbank."
Newquay Foodbank hosted an open day on Tuesday 29th August to share their message of signposting to other organisations, for those who need it.
It was an opportunity to come and find out more about Newquay Foodbank and the help they provide as the Summer holidays draw to a close.
It includes trying to work together to remove the stigma of accessing support.
They've been collaborating with the team from Cornwall MIND, who were there on the day to chat to in a safe and welcoming space.
Jo Boulton, Cornwall MIND, said: "They're struggling with money and problems, poverty related issues. I think it's really good if we can encourage people to reach out to us so we can help support their well-being.
"We do a lot of signposting so hopefully we can signpost to other organisations who can help.
"We've made it even easier because life is complicated enough. We have an online referral form that people can fill in. We can normally get people started really soon and I know that's a big thing for people."
Alongside MIND, the charity also welcomed: Newquay Orchard, Storehouse, Age UK, Community Energy Fund, Coop, South West Water, Community Pharmacy Cornwall, Transformation Cornwall and Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting.
To find out how to can get support from Newquay Foodbank, you can visit their website.