Failsworth foodbank set to expand after funding boost
Date published: 03 April 2023
Ashton and Failsworth MP, Angela Rayner met with volunteers and workers at the site
A Failsworth foodbank is set to move into bigger premises after securing funding from National Gas.
'Breaking The Waves' was founded by Gemma Blackhurst and Lisa Gill - originally from Gemma's home - during the pandemic after seeing the plight of families who were struggling to make ends meet. They are currently supported by a team of 17 volunteers.
As demand for the foodbank increased, Gemma needed larger premises to store the food, and to make up the parcels.
With the help of former councillor Pete Davis, Gemma identified a former church hall that had fallen into disrepair following its closure. The church needed significant work to be completed before it was suitable for the volunteers at Breaking The Waves, and a Crowdfunder campaign was launched.
Following a meeting with Ashton and Failsworth MP, Angela Rayner, Gemma was put in touch with National Gas - who have a track record in supporting local community projects.
National Gas met with Gemma to learn more about their work in Failsworth and subsequently agreed to fund the works on the former church.
National Gas also connected the team to an asbestos company named Erith who removed a large portion of dangerous asbestos from the building free of charge.
Recently Angela Rayner met with the Breaking The Waves team and the team that carried out the vital repairs to celebrate the success of the foodbank's expansion so far.
Speaking about the improved premises, Ms Rayner told the Chronicle: “Lisa and the team are absolute heroes and carry out their community work alongside their day jobs and looking after their own families. I am so proud to represent them as their MP and I am delighted that we were able to find a way to fund these essential works on the new premises.
“I am looking forward to seeing them be able to realise their full potential and I’m excited after hearing some of their plans for the future.
“I would like to thank National Gas and everyone who pitched in to support this amazing local organisation. Community spirit is strong in Failsworth”
Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, said: “I spend plenty of time working on national-scale large infrastructure projects: but there's another type of critical infrastructure, and that's the endeavour of providing local places where people can access help when times get tough.
“I was very privileged this afternoon to join the founder and volunteers at Breaking the Waves with Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP and her constituency team, plus teams from National Gas, Erith Asbestos Removal, Sall Electrical and Life Environmental, who have all helped out by removing asbestos and delivering other work to enable the centre's refurbishment.
“It was a delight to join Angela in chatting with the team about the project, and I will continue to follow them closely as they move towards completing this essential work. My many thanks to all involved.”
The foodbank continues to receive support from other local businesses.
To find out more about the project and how they can help, click or tap here.
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