Disability charity and Foodbank come together to support local community

Disability charity Hamelin Trust has joined forces with Billericay Foodbank to ensure the community facility can continue to support those in need.

The foodbank had been operating in the town’s High Street for a number of years but needed a new premises that could offer security for the future. Hamelin Trust, which supports adults with learning disabilities and autism, worked with the foodbank to make space available in its Radford Crescent building so it could continue operating in the town.

An event was held on Wednesday to commemorate the occasion and mark the official opening of the new centre. Diversity star and former I’m a Celebrity campmate Jordan Banjo, and Women’s WBA World Boxing Champion Nina Hughes, were in attendance to cut the ribbon alongside Hamelin Trust and Billericay Foodbank representatives. They have close links with the foodbank and joined the celebrations to show their support.

At the ceremony, Billericay Foodbank Chair, Jim Rose, said the partnership showed the foodbank was a real community project.

He said:

“This partnership represents a new opportunity for both charities to enter a new phase, with exciting joint working possibilities. There’s lots to look forward to.”

Hamelin Trust Director of Care, Shoenagh Mackay, said it was a fantastic example of what can be achieved when two charities come together.

She said:

“Community is very much at the heart of what Hamelin Trust does, so working with Billericay Foodbank to ensure it can continue supporting those in need is something we are extremely proud of.

“By working collaboratively, we can really make a lasting and meaningful difference to the people in our community.”

As well as supporting local people, the partnership will also allow both charities to work closer together and provide people with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to gain valuable volunteering and work experience to develop key life skills.