Hi friends! 

I’m running the Brighton Half Marathon on 25 February 2018 to raise awareness and much needed funds for the work of the Brighton Food Bank. 

Brighton Food Bank receives referrals from over 50 agencies to support individuals and families in financial crisis with emergency food parcels and in some cases, fuel aid. Often clients have emotional, physical and spiritual needs when they arrive.  Each client’s situation is looked at on a case by case basis. In 2017, Brighton Food Bank handed out nearly 30 tonnes of food, helping 684 individuals and families, 97 of which included families with children.  Our team also provides a Start Up Home Pack consisting of some essential items, such as kitchen equipment, a towel and some bedding, for those in particularly vulnerable situations.

Brighton Food Bank was formed in 2000 in direct  response to a specific need experienced by one of our volunteer supporters.  This project provides  practical help to anyone who finds themselves in crisis situations.  Many of the people referred to us are involved in some type of domestic problem forcing them out of the family home.  With no-one to turn to for support and guidance, it is often a rapid descent into homelessness and sleeping in friends’ houses, or worse still, sleeping rough.  The way back into society can be extremely difficult, with loneliness, depression, lack of self-confidence and little money all taking their toll on a person’s physical and mental well-being. 

We work closely with local statutory and charitable organisations (such as JobCentres, Housing Trusts, Youth Organisations and Advice Centres) who refer their clients to us, ensuring our support is directed to genuinely needy people.  We are usually able to provide emergency help to get people settled into new accommodation, and sustain them through what can be a very difficult time of crisis.  Happily, for many this period is only temporary, and gradually they are able to take up a useful place in society again.  The number of clients we have supported has steadily increased from fewer than 100 in 2004 to nearly 700 in 2017, between them making in excess of 2000 separate visits to our centre.  

The Brighton Food Bank is one of the three projects run by the Christian charity: "Brighton and Hove City Mission " which was established in 1849. I started working here in August 2017 and feel privileged to be a part of it. 

My warm thanks for whatever you are able to give. 

Love from Nicky

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