BBCThe food bank that was damaged by floods 14 months ago has officially reopened and been renamed.
Kinson and West Hove Foodbank in Bournemouth, next to St Andrews Church, has launched a large, free community service known as The Sanctuary Project.
Described as a “safe and warm space open to all”, staff also provide accommodation advice, help with forms and other practical support.
“People need more than just food, so the approach is now more holistic to every aspect,” project manager Vicki Longman told the BBC.
Kinson and West Hove FoodbankHe said the cost of living has increased demand for the service, which also has a washing machine, tumble dryer and shower.
“People don’t have extra money anymore,” she explained.
“When something goes wrong it’s a big chunk of their money…a big chunk of our community, [they] They budget for what they can and can’t do, and when there are surprises, they haven’t allocated money for them.”
Service user Sasha Kurel said: “You don’t realize how much you rely on communicating with people until you’re in that situation, and coming here you just talk to people and they’ll listen to your problems, and it makes you feel better.”
Another visitor, Sindell, said: “I think this is one of the best food banks I’ve been to. They’re very kind, very welcoming. I really enjoy it here.”
Holly, who recently became homeless with her daughter, said the help provided didn’t make her feel like “a…statistical thing on paper.”
“That’s what they do here, they listen to you, they listen to you,” he said.
“My life is changing a little bit… but we feel safe, we feel safe, we feel like we can trust the people who are here.”
The foodbank, which started in 2015 and is staffed by volunteers, is supported by anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust.
The Sanctuary Project is open Monday through Friday.
