'Steps to Recovery' Project 2022
'Steps to Recovery' started as a continuation of the work we did with churches in 2020 as part of our Covid-19 response.
The aim of 'Steps to Recovery' was to continue providing food to vulnerable people but also to help them to become self-sufficient in managing their own food and finances.
WHY?
Our churches let us know that there was still considerable need in local communities for support with food due to unemployment, being furloughed or issues with Universal Credit. In addition, a new cohort of previously 'comfortable' families from less deprived areas were accessing food aid because of a drastic change in their situation.
OUTCOMES
As well as working with churches to distribute food and cooking utensils, 13 people were funded to complete a debt management course and Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification was delivered online to 30 people from 14 churches. 100s of copies of 'Feed a Family of Four for £2' recipe booklets were purchased for 11 churches to distribute with bags of food to encourage families to cook for themselves, and 8 people completed an 8 week cookery course.
Many of our churches offered additional support, signposting, countless cups of tea and a listening ear. A constant theme in feedback from recipients was the importance of 'knowing someone cares for me'.
“An elderly man receiving food parcels was the full-time carer for his disabled wife. They lost their car as benefit stopped for part of DLA. The wife had a fall, was in hospital and contracted COVID 19 and very sadly passed away. Our Pastor came alongside him and we helped arrange the funeral with a donation for flowers. A Church Member then helped sort out the change of circumstances forms and helped with new benefit claims. Our lovely chap is now doing much better and signed up to CAP Life Skills to help manage his finances better and be part of a community. In thankfulness he is making a stew and trifle to share with the group tomorrow!"
Other concrete outcomes of our input include more churches joining our Filling the Gap and Places of Welcome initiatives which encourage more sustainable, long term community support.
SUPPORT
None of this work would have been possible without the continuing financial support of our generous donors and specifically the Cheshire Community Foundation and the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation. We are extremely grateful to them.
