Working with local food banks to give people extra support

If someone needs support related to housing, homelessness, mental health or accessing benefits, we’re there to help.

Funded by Trussell Trust, this scheme places Porchlight workers inside Faversham Food Bank and Swale Food Bank (based in Sittingbourne), to provide support there and then.

"We're catching people at one of the most vulnerable times in their life,” explains Porchlight manager Natalie.

“They're at the food bank because they have significant needs. Rather than just getting food, there's also someone there to help them change their situation in the long-term."

The struggle to provide food and pay bills affects people’s physical and mental health.

“They’re malnourished, unable to heat their home and are worrying about where to get their next meal or feed their children,” Natalie adds. “We’re on their side and will advocate for them, which can mean helping them access additional support and apply for benefits, which can be particularly daunting for people who have difficulty reading and writing.”

Porchlight helps some food bank users experiencing homeless to access emergency accommodation and get clean, comfy clothes.

Natalie recalls: “One man was rough sleeping and had also been diagnosed with cancer. He was receiving chemotherapy, but it was creating abscesses in his mouth. He needed dental work but was unable to get it until there was safe accommodation where he could recover. We pushed for him to get emergency homelessness accommodation, new shoes and a paid-up phone so he could stay in touch with his children."

“Our staff do a fantastic job - they go the extra mile to help people. We're making a difference every day.”