A team of dedicated volunteers who have helped feed a town for nearly a decade has been told to “stand down”.
In a move that appears to have shocked not only the volunteers who have dedicated hours of their time to running Chatteris foodbank, but also residents as well, the Trussell Trust has decided to relocate the much-needed resource.
For the past eight years the volunteers, under the leadership of Susan Jude, have ensured those struggling have received the helping hand they need in the form of food parcels donated by shoppers at local supermarkets.
However, it was revealed this week that Ely Trussell Trust – which has been served in Chatteris by the volunteers on Mondays at the parish church – has given notice that it has closed its distribution from St Peter and St Paul’s in High Street from today (Thursday).
From Monday people needing help will need to visit the Salvation Army citadel in East Park Street.
News of the decision was announced the parish church’s Facebook page where the post also explained the church had never charged rent and has always worked closely with the many partners who help the people fo Chatteris.
The post adds: “We don't know why this decision was taken by the Ely Trussell Trust Trustees. However, our hearts and prayers now go out to the volunteers who have been told to stand down.
“We also apologise unreservedly, in advance, for the late notice and disruption caused to clients. We now understand that the Ely Trussell Trust has made arrangements with the Salvation Army and will continue distribution in Chatteris using paid staff on Mondays.”
However, the Trussell Trust said the move follows “conversations” with the operational team at the parish church.
Tansy Miller, Network Lead at the Trussell Trust, said: “From June 3 onwards, people in Chatteris will be able to access support from a new Ely Foodbank distribution centre at the Salvation Army building.
“The decision to move the time and venue of the distribution session was made following conversations between Ely Foodbank’s board and leadership team and the operational team at St Peter and St Paul’s distribution centre. It was a difficult decision, but it will allow the food bank to provide a more consistent level of support across all of its locations and to offer a range of different services to people seeking help in Chatteris.
“The food bank’s focus remains on the wellbeing of people who need support and having reviewed several venues in Chatteris, Ely Foodbank has reached an agreement with the Salvation Army to use their facilities.
“The session will be funded by Ely Foodbank and delivered by volunteers, with oversight from the food bank. All clients will still be able to receive a voucher through their usual referral partners and all services of the food bank will continue including dedicated Citizens Advice support. Ely Foodbank remains committed to providing a high-level of support for people in need in the Chatteris area.”
“We would like to thank the volunteers at St Peter & St Paul’s church and the parochial church council for their support over the last eight years.”
