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Real Stories
“The foodbank was a lifesaver.” Your support is helping us to change lives.
How foodbank support makes a difference
These stories from Chichester and New Milton show how quickly circumstances can change — and how emergency food and a compassionate welcome can help.
Holly’s story
“The people at the foodbank were wonderful, they understood and saved us.”
Holly was bringing up her young daughter, Phoebe, alone in Chichester. Having always worked, she was determined to give her daughter the best possible start in life.
Concerned about conditions around their council flat, Holly moved to accommodation closer to her parents. The new home offered a better environment, but the rent was twice as much. With help from her parents, part-time work and a growing second-hand clothing business, she was just managing to cover their costs.
Then Phoebe became seriously ill and spent three weeks in hospital. Holly had to stop working temporarily to care for her. When they returned home, they faced empty cupboards, mounting bills and no income.
Feeling unable to ask her family for more financial help, Holly contacted Citizens Advice, who referred her to a foodbank.
The volunteers welcomed her with understanding and provided emergency food for her and Phoebe. Although money remained tight, knowing that support was available in a crisis helped ease the pressure.
Richard’s story
“Without the foodbank, I don’t think I would be here today.”
Richard, from New Milton, had spent six years in the police force and a further 12 years in the Royal Military Police. He had always considered himself fit and healthy, until a serious heart condition and multiple strokes left him unable to work.
After separating from his wife and moving out of the family home, a delay in his Employment and Support Allowance left him struggling to afford the essentials. Travel costs to collect his medication meant there was little money left for food.
Citizens Advice referred Richard to a foodbank. He had never expected to need this support, but the volunteers quickly helped him feel at ease.
“The volunteers were fantastic, offering a chat and a shoulder to cry on. I suffer from depression as well and without the foodbank I don’t think I would be here today,” he said.
Richard also described skipping meals so his daughter could eat during her weekend visits. At the time he shared his story, he was waiting for a heart transplant and continued to face financial difficulties. Having somewhere to turn for emergency food and understanding made a vital difference.
Your donations help local people
At Wythenshawe Foodbank, your food and financial donations help us provide emergency food and a warm welcome to people facing hardship in our own community.