Foodbank volunteers continue to provide a vital lifeline for struggling Oldhamers

With less than a week to go until Christmas, Oldham Foodbank is working at full capacity to ensure those struggling can still enjoy some of the niceties that people share at this time of year.

Many households are under extreme financial pressures due to the cost of living crisis, and some families will be unable to afford a festive dinner and other items, including mince pies and chocolates.

But thanks to the generous donations of local residents and businesses across Oldham, volunteers are working hard to put together festive parcels alongside other essential items that people will need to get by over the holidays.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, recently visited their Unit B base on the Prince of Wales House Industrial Estate in Derker, to offer an extra pair of hands as part of the foodbank’s ongoing efforts to help those most in need.

“I am totally blown away by the amazing work the volunteers are doing,” Cllr Chadderton said, after helping put together some of the festive bags.

“From collecting donations to picking and packing food parcels, every role they play is vitally important, and they are making such a huge difference to people’s lives, especially over the holidays when we know some families will sadly go without because of the pressures they are under.

“So, I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Oldham, for the incredible work they are doing.

“I also want to thank the residents across our borough for their continued generosity during extremely difficult times, to help others in need.

“From selection boxes and Christmas puddings, to stuffing mixes and cranberry sauce, these items may not seem like a lot, but they really will make someone’s Christmas because without this thoughtfulness, some people would heartbreakingly go without.”

Seventy-five-year-old volunteer Joy Bishop, from Royton, first began volunteering at the foodbank at Christmas nearly two years ago and admitted stock was really running down only a few weeks ago.

“We were really worried because people don’t have the money to give as generously as they have in the past - if you have no money, you just can’t,” Joy said.

“But this last couple of weeks, things have flooded in, so it’s been really lovely and it’s really grateful received.”

Oldham Foodbank is still in desperate need of donations, despite the recent waves of donations, as demand outweighs their supply as more residents are forced into poverty.

Tom Lewishood, Organisational Development Coordinator at Oldham Foodbank, said: “We can never have enough food at the foodbank, so donations are always extremely welcome here, whether it be donations to us direct or via local drop-off points and supermarkets across the borough.

“We are truly grateful for everything we have and continue to receive, and we are even more appreciative of the fact that people are spending more on things that go beyond the essentials, to help families have a better Christmas.”

Oldham Foodbank is in real need of items such as general toiletries, tinned goods and long life milk.

They are also in need of driver volunteers who can support them with collection pick ups and donation drop offs, with mileage offered if needed.

Sandra (76) and Tony Graham (78) from Ashton, have been volunteering as delivery drivers for more than three weeks, and they said they find their role really ‘satisfying’.

“The people we’ve been delivering to are most grateful, everywhere we’ve been,” Tony said.

“They must be really struggling, so the satisfaction of the thanks you get from the people you are going to is wonderful.”

The married couple of 56 years first got involved with the foodbank after they saw a programme on the TV.

When they came to the foodbank, ‘they were crying out’ for delivery drivers so the pair now use their free day during their week to help out.

Another volunteer who loves giving his spare time to the foodbank is retired resident Michael Fox, aged 66 from Saddleworth.

Michael finds his role constructive as he’s doing something that directly benefits those who need help.

“It’s nice to be doing something which I know will help them immediately and I feel when I come in here, I do something that is immediately going to benefit people,” Michael said.

“That’s very satisfying, going away thinking I’ve made some sort of a difference.

“The people I work with are very friendly too - everyone’s committed and the whole atmosphere is one of being committed to doing something useful.”

If you are interested in volunteering at Oldham Foodbank, please visit their website - www.oldham.foodbank.org.uk - for more information.

In the meantime, residents who are struggling financially or with their wellbeing, are being reminded to contact the council’s helpline on 0161 770 7007 between the hours of 9am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Here they can receive advice and support from the council’s specialist advisors on ways they can save money, apply for additional income that they may be entitled to, and access to emergency help, including food vouchers, childcare and energy support.

For more information, residents can visit www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp

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