St Vincent’s Newcastle sits at the forefront of poverty crisis helping those who need it most by offering a range of services including a food and clothing bank, low-cost shopping experience and support through free wellbeing groups.
Comparative statistics from the same time last year show that the need for their services has almost doubled, from supporting 4,968 people last year to a staggering 8,808 people this year.
Last month, the centre saw what was one of its busiest months on record, with a total of 3,535 adults and children being supported. These figures were made up from 897 free hot 3-course meals being served, 140 free food parcels being delivered, and around 700 people attending the free wellbeing activity groups on offer.
Sitting on New Bridge Street, the centre, which is part of the wider St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales), is a thriving hub with a range of activities available for people from all walks of life.
Deputy Centre Manager, Amanda Haddon, said:
“The amount of people who need to turn to us for help is just phenomenal. We are struggling to keep up with demand for our services so help from the community is always greatly appreciated.
“We’re constantly looking for people who can donate any items to our food pantry, or any unwanted household goods and we always need volunteers from the local community who can help us run our services. Of course, any money donated would go straight back into our services so we can continue to provide for anyone in need.
“We work tirelessly to ensure that the people in our local community are treated with dignity and respect, and we never turn anyone away. No matter race, religion, age or gender, everyone is always welcomed at St Vincent’s Newcastle.”
A free hot 3-course meal is served every Tuesday, a range of free-for-all wellbeing activities take place every day of the week, a Cost-of-Living market is held every Thursday, and a new low-cost food pantry has just opened to offer an affordable and dignified way to shop.
The St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) is calling on the new Labour Government to take urgent action to create a society where no one is left behind.
Head of Policy, Communications and Public Affairs at the SVP, Alessandra Sciarra, said:
“We hope to work closely with the new Government to address the growing rates of poverty in the country.
“We continue to call for measures to tackle in-work poverty, changes to the welfare system. And continue to call for a compassionate asylum system.”