Whilst I’m desperate to see meaningful government policies to reduce British poverty levels and correct twelve years of economic failure, it is helpful to see local initiatives to support those in need in the meantime, as the cost of living continues to hit households hard.

Firstly, a 24/7 Community Pantry opened up in Stalybridge over Christmas, offering help with essential goods throughout winter, the only 24 hours a day pantry in Greater Manchester. The pantry is a free-to-user community resource which will be part-funded over 10 weeks by Tameside Council from their Winter Pressures Fund.  First trialled in October, the pantry was well used, and the hope is that with further fundraising we can build a permanent structure and make this a long-term community resource. The Pantry is welcoming donations to help us stock the shelves. Bulk donations can be dropped off at 137 Stamford Street, Stalybridge and smaller donations added to the pantry itself 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Donations of the following are most welcome: tins, jars and plastic wrapped vegetables, toiletries, period products, cleaning fluids, plastic wrapped biscuits, plastic wrapped toilet roll and dilute squash. Please do not bring the following at the moment due to storage: food in cardboard packaging, bread or bread products, or anything that needs refrigeration. Please place any item not in plastic packaging in a sealed see-through plastic bag to reduce goods getting damaged by the elements.

Thank you to The Power of Resilience, Tameside Council and anyone able to donate for helping to create this brilliant zero-stigma community resource in tough times. For more details of the pantry visit their website.

Secondly, a big thank you to The Together Centre who will be supporting children who may be unable to leave their homes throughout the next half-term holiday, due to their Parent’s/Carer’s health or mobility. Children will receive a free lunch delivered daily to their door Monday 20th – Friday 24th February 2023, and also receive a craft pack to help keep them entertained.