Conwy Food Bank Coordinator: 'I despair at the benefit system at the moment'
The coordinator of Conwy's biggest food bank says more and more people are being failed by the system
The coordinator of the biggest food bank in Conwy county says benefit changes arehitting the poorest most and forcing a record number of families to seek their services.
Cherie Bailey works as a volunteer at the Colwyn Bay base of Conwy Food Bank and she has seen more and more people being pushed to the breadline.
Her comments come in the wake of national reports of an increase in food theftbrought on by rising poverty.
She said: “The whole benefits system is closing down.
“Some people are not in receipt of any benefits whatsoever.
“If someone has become ill or lost their job then they can have problems.
“One working woman in her 50s, who became ill, came in crying because she was so ashamed.”
Cherie says she has noted instances of those re-entering employment having their money stopped straight away, then having to wait a month until they are paid, which contravenes guidelines.
“People are being penalised for getting a job,” she continued. “I despair at the system.”
Last year saw the largest ever take up of food aid with 712 parcels distributed, a rise of 50% on 2012.
March this year saw figures 100% up on last year.
For the first six months of 2014, 420 food parcels were given out by volunteers and, with seasonal employment coming to a close for many in the county, the figures could rocket further.
“Society has to pick this up and help people.
“I had a young lady who couldn’t read or write and she was sectioned for four months.
“She couldn’t fill out the forms and there was no one there to help her at the Job Centre.
“Nobody picked up, she couldn’t read or write and you can’t assume in this day and age people can read and write.
“She had no food, no income and then they talk about shop lifting.
“What are people to do if they are hungry? I am not saying it is right but people need help.
“I deal with it every day and the gap is widening.
“It’s hurting people and people who don’t want to be in that situation.
“If we go to universal benefit it will cause a lot of problems.
“Now with housing benefit changes, single people under 35 will get £40 a week towards rent and have to find the rest themselves.
“It’s hurting people and people who don’t want to be in that situation. They need help.”
Conwy Food Bank is funded entirely be the generosity of the public and they are always grateful of donations.
“Everything we do is voluntary,” continued Cherie.
“Everything we get goes to people who need it and we don’t charge for anything.”
The number of parcels for the first six months of this operational year is up by 24%. Family parcels are up by 36% on last year. Percentage of referrals from benefit agencies have increased from 10% in year 2 to 35% in year 4.
To donate to Conwy Food Bank, visit www.conwyfoodbank.co.uk
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