Local MP Steve Brine popped into Winchester Basics Bank (Friday 25 May 2012) to meet the team and help the charity as summer approaches and demand increases for its service helping some of Winchester's most vulnerable families.
Winchester Basics Bank (WBB) is part of Churches Together in Winchester, and provides food parcels and good quality second hand clothing for any person in need as a result of financial hardship. It is open 10am-3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays at its current base in Milland Road, Highcliffe.
Steve said: "I really love what the WBB team do and it was a real honour for me to meet them and see exactly how it works. It is obviously a really well run charity with a smooth unfussy operation to get help where it's most needed. One of the things that struck me most was the point that with the school holidays approaching, vulnerable families are left without much-needed free school meals, and that is where demand really shifts upwards, putting a far greater strain on stock.
"With that, amongst other things, in mind, we discussed their upcoming 'Vision Day' when the board of trustees will discuss the future strategy of the charity which is in need of more working and storage space due to the increase in referrals. I know that the team would be delighted to hear any suggestions or contributions from members of the public about the future of the service."
Moira Knapman, chairperson, told Mr Brine that the board will look at various scenarios of how the project could move forward, including perhaps sharing premises with other charities.
Mr Brine is also discussing the possibility of using his constituency 'shop', on Stockbridge Road, as a future drop-off point for donations. He added: "We are just working out the logistics but I really want to help the Basics Bank and use my shop in Winchester for as wide a community purpose as possible which was always the intention. We hope to have this up and running this Summer so if you're passing please help where you can."
Pictured; Steve joins the team at their Milland Road base
More information...
If you wish to donate any foodstuffs to the Winchester Basics Bank, or wish to support the charity in any other way, you should contact WBB Chairman Moira Knapman via Moirajck@aol.com or visit winchesterbasicsbank.hampshire.org.uk.