Congratulations to The Hope Project Foodbank volunteers on receiving a Special Recognition Award from the Greater Manchester High Sheriff, Dr Eamonn O’Neil.  The Award was for the “outstanding contribution to the community, during the Covid 19 outbreak.” 

The Hope Project, a partnership between Caritas and Catholic Social Action Wythenshawe was set up to address social isolation, as well as food poverty, during the pandemic. The picture shows Sharon, one of Foodbank volunteers proudly holding the certificate.  

The Foodbank has done an amazing job during difficult times and at its peak was providing food for over 1,100 meals per week!  Well done to all the volunteers the award is richly deserved.

Congratulations to The Hope Project volunteers whose efforts have received royal recognition. HM Lord-lieutenant of Greater Manchester wrote to the project to praise the foodbank volunteers, writing that ‘you remind people when they are at their lowest ebb that somebody does care.’

The letter went on to say; ‘It is right that we all thank and celebrate the work of the NHS and care workers but when this dreadful pandemic is over you too will be counted amongst the heroes.’ In his letter he quoted from Her Majesty The Queen address to the nation at the beginning of the pandemic. “I hope in years to come everyone will take pride in how they responded to the challenge.”

Lord-lieutenant adding ‘You certainly will be able to look back with pride!’ Going on to ‘thank each and everyone of you for the amazing and outstanding work you have done since the inception of the food bank and continuing through this dreadful Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you for what you do

This is well deserved with over 40 volunteers being involved in The Hope Project since it began in March.  Last week the foodbank delivered 1,147 meals to 123 people (3 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner to 57 adults and 66 children

Mike Kane the MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East visited The Hope Project Food Bank based at St Aidan’s Centre, Wythenshawe. 

Along with the senior caseworker Emma Taylor, they dropped off donations for the Food Bank and praised the impact the project was having on local people across Wythenshawe. 

Mike said ‘it is great what is happening here and how the community has pulled together at difficult time.’ Last week the Food Bank supplied 273 days of food to 91 people, 47 adults and 44 children. 

The Hope Project based at St Aidan’s Centre is a partnership between Caritas and local Catholic parishes in Wythenshawe.

Its aim is to address social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak. One aspect of this was to reorganise the food bank so it could continue and respond to the needs of local people and address social distancing.

So the foodbank has been moved into the main hall,  a new email referral system is in place and all food parcels are delivered. Since the project began in March the foodbank has supported 24 individuals and 71 families.

A total of 143 adults and 149 children. Many of the people we are supporting have been impacted by the Corvid 19.

Self isolation,  a sudden loss of income and poor health, are 3 of key issues which have impacted upon families and individuals.  Many of those who are referred to the foodbank  receive weekly 3 day food parcels.

Alongside this, thanks to a developing partnership with Cracking Good food we also distribute 40 nourishing meals, which just need heating, each week.  So alongside the 3 day food parcel, which includes enough for breakfast, lunch and dinner – the project provided 3,136 meals in May!

VE Day will have its 75th anniversary on Friday 8th May 2020 (Bank Holiday). The ‘Stay at Home Street Party’ is encouraging people to decorate their houses in red, white and blue and have a picnic in their front garden to celebrate. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines at all times.

This event is being supported by our a member of our local team in Wirral, Lynette Skipsey.