The lesson learnt from a walk
A walk in the park.Most people would pass without noticing. But beneath the shelter of an old tree sat a man - we’ll call him John - in his late 50s—hunched, exhausted, and barely holding himself together. His clothes were unwashed, his face gaunt with hunger. He hadn’t eaten a proper meal in a week. He was homeless, hopeless, and at the very edge of giving up.But help arrived in the most unexpected way.A volunteer from a local homeless charity stopped, spoke to him, and truly listened. He gently referred him to Hammersmith & Fulham food bank—and walked with him there himself. That simple act of compassion set everything in motion. Through the food bank, John received not just a meal, but a lifeline. He was connected with housing support, guided through the system, and is now on the path toward the stability he desperately needed.Little by little, thanks to food bank, he is rebuilding his life.Hang on, what’s a food bank got to do with this? Everything.There’s more to the food bank than asking for donations at a supermarket or dishing out food in a church hall and sending people on their way. The people who come to the Hammersmith and Fulham food banks have a voice; they are listened to. There’s help and hope whether it’s for Sim cards or advice on fuel payments, difficulties with landlords, assistance for those suffering financial hardship, safety for sufferers of coercive partners.The case of the unfortunate man lost in the park is just one specific example which tells you a lot about the work the food banks do. Why am I telling you this? The food banks and people who rely on them need your help. On Thursday, November 27 and Friday 28 there will be a collection at Tesco, Brook Green. I know, those irritating people asking you to donate a tin of something, a packet of something else. But here’s a thing, if everyone who goes to Tesco over those two days donated only one tin, one packet of biscuits, one jar of jam, the effect would be immeasurable. It would bring joy to hundred of people, old and young.And I’m going on about this because the food banks in the area need volunteers. People who can make a difference and make other s feel a tad happier.One place where people find a welcome is The Hub in Bloemfontein Road, White City, (open Tuesday to Friday) where people call by for a chat and advice. A clothes rack is open on Tuesday, there are lessons for those struggling with English, help for the troubled, and a book club. There is always a warm welcome from Chaudhry, the manager. He understands the problems people face and he knows how to help. There’s coffee and cake too! If anyone fancies helping out with any of our projects, here’s what to do: Helping at a Foodbank Centre Foodbank Centre Volunteer Role Profile. Helping at The Hub Hub Volunteer Role Profile Read more here.
Richard Holledge ● 18d1 Comments ● 18d