A RESDIENT who went from being homeless and relying on the support of Warrington Foodbank to being a trustee of the organisation has spoke out on its importance within the community.
Ben Pennell, 40, recalled the moment he first entered through the doors of the Foodbank looking for help and how the volunteers ‘saw me as a whole person and not a problem they needed to solve’.
The Great Sankey resident shared his inspiring story, rewinding back the clock to three years ago when he was living on the streets and struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
He said: “I came to Warrington in November 2021. I was homeless and receiving help from one of the local charities. I was sent to the foodbank, where they initially helped me out with food, and it all spring boarded from there.
“They saw me as a whole person, rather than a problem they needed to solve.
“They took a chance on me and had belief in me when I didn’t have belief in myself - giving me opportunities, placing trust and responsibility in me.
“And that perspective helped develop the relationship between myself and the foodbank and helped me get to where I am today.
“I needed their services and I’m delighted today to be in a position to give back.”
The now Foodbank trustee spoke honestly of how homelessness had been ‘a long time coming’ for him.
And his work with the organisation now enables him to encounter people in a difficult period of their lives and help them too.
“For people I encounter through the foodbank, it’s just a case of one single missed pay check,” he stated.
“It’s one tragic life event, something completely out of their control that can cause their whole world to crumble.
“There simply isn’t adequate support for people who slip through the gaps, hence the need for organisations like ourselves.”
Ben is now not only a trustee for the Foodbank but also works with the Trussell Trust – an anti-poverty charity that provides emergency food packages for those who need it.
Last month, the foodbank announced the opening of two new pantries in Warrington – affordable food spaces within the community for anyone to use.
The two pantries will be located in Fearnhead Community Centre and in Latchford on Loushers Lane.
Speaking on his advocacy for the Warrington Foodbank, Ben described the charity as a ‘truly unbelievable organisation’ which has continued to keep him grounded through his work and cooperation with it.
“I’ve always got one foot firmly planted in reality,” he continued. “I’m still there with all of our users, I’m just at a different stage of my journey.
“That holistic support they gave me - I learnt that’s a huge part of what we do.
“Food is really just a sticking plaster - there are so many other avenues of support they - we - can help you access and signpost.
“When I first came to the foodbank, I had my own preconceptions about them, as many people do. Now I rightfully see them as holding such a vital place within the local community - particularly here in Warrington. Our main aim is to alleviate poverty in Warrington.”
Also an advocate for Cheshire Community Foundation’s newly introduced Warrington Fund, the 40-year-old spoke highly of the initiative which promises to pump thousands of pounds into local charities being leant on for support by Warrington families.
Ben added: “It’s a fantastic initiative that will help so many. There are so many worthwhile organisations in the town and it’s great to see a dedicated pot of money for those ventures.
“And I know that we’re lucky - if it wasn’t for those organisations falling outside of centralised services in the community, we’d be in a much worse place than we are.
“Warrington has its own unique needs, so to have something bespoke to serve those needs makes perfect sense.
“I’m optimistic but realistic about the future. Even though my job is with a foodbank, it won’t surprise you to hear me say I don’t want foodbanks to have to exist - and I certainly don’t want to be living in a community where they are needed and normalised.”
To learn more about Warrington Foodbank visit the website warrington.foodbank.org.uk/
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