Kirkstall Valley Development Trust’s community hub in Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park is at the heart of the community’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Here, KVDT’s CHRIS HILL writes about becoming a foodbank and distributon point for Kirkstall.
It’s been a long, long week but we wanted say thank you for the help some of you have already given us – it is so vital.
We know that people are already finding things tough. Many who, up to a month ago, were in work have not only found themselves jobless but also struggling to access the benefits they would expect to help them get by.
Others simply cannot afford to put food on the table for themselves and their families.
Housing associations are seeing their tenants cancel direct debits for the next rent payment, presumably because they know the money will not be there to pay it.
When we were told, early last week, that The Real Junk Food Project had intercepted a massive amount of food heading towards landfill, we made a quick decision to open a Unit 11 food bank.
With our partners HOPS, OWLS, STEPS, HAVA, St Mary’s, St Andrew’s, Burley St Matt’s and Burley Mutual Aid we have we have delivered food to over 500 households in the Kirkstall Ward which we certainly couldn’t have done without the help of the volunteers who joined us through Voluntary Action Leeds.
The Trust is working with the Council and Voluntary Action Leeds to offer support where it is needed. We are taking responsibility for organising volunteers in Kirkstall (others are taking responsibility for Armley and Bramley).
If you’re unable to leave the house due to the COVID-19 Virus pandemic and you’re worried because you don’t have family or friends who can help, please contact Leeds City Council on 0113 3781877. You will be matched with a local volunteer.
Anyone who feels they are able, can volunteer for a range of different roles dependant on availability and preference, by visiting doinggoodleeds or emailing info@val.org.uk or calling 0113 2977920.
Once signed-up volunteers will receive training and then be matched with opportunities locally to help.
Food distribution
Unit 11 is becoming a foodbank and distribution point for Kirkstall and we could do with your help – your time to sort and deliver, the donation of food or the gift of money to buy food.
Guidance for those who need help or can volunteer is reprinted below, underneath a cutting from our volunteer newsletter that explains what we are up to
If you can donate (all money will go to the food project) please go here.
