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Real Stories
“The foodbank was a lifesaver.” Your support is helping us to change lives.
Kayon’s Story
“The people at the foodbank were wonderful, they understood and saved us.”
What can I say but Thank YOU! to Thurrock Foodbank. They are more than just a Foodbank. THURROCK FOOD BANK and staff member Kate have been a source of help, strength, support in great times of need and has helped me in at my lowest. Providing gifts for my kids at Christmas, as I couldn’t afford to buy anything – given I was facing homelessness. They have supported me in my fight with Thurrock council helping me get support for my housing when I was homeless.
Yes I am a professional and never dreamt I would be here at my lowest being homeless with 4 kids on my own. I work hard but the cost of living has taken a toll on me and my finances.
I was embarrassed to ask for help, as it was the first time ever reaching out for help and I felt ashamed, but Thurrock Foodbank made me feel welcomed and supported.
I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Thurrock Foodbank!
James’s Story
“I am so grateful for the foodbanks kindness.”
I came to Purfleet Foodbank not long after being released from a long prison sentence. Walking through the door felt like another low point in my life. After the bad decisions I’d made, I’d lost seven years of my freedom and was still wearing a tag on each leg. Needing a foodbank just felt like one more reminder of how far I’d fallen.
The volunteers were kind and welcoming, and even though I was struggling, I tried to be polite and thanked them for the help. One of them took the time to talk to me and explained that people from all walks of life need support sometimes, and that asking for help doesn’t make you a bad person. That really stayed with me.
On my third visit, while I was chatting with them, my phone rang. I answered it and straight away I knew things were changing for the better. A large local employer had just offered me a full-time job. I couldn’t believe it — I was over the moon.
I told them that the conversations and reassurance I’d had at the foodbank had lifted my spirits and helped me believe in a positive future again.