‘We’re here to help you’: Derbyshire ladies seek to raise awareness about their foodbank

The founders of a foodbank in a Derbyshire village want residents to know they are here to help them during these tough times.
By Michael Broomhead
Published 29th Oct 2020, 16:45 BST

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Life-long friends Sylvia Tidmarsh and Joyce Quigley, both 73 and from Wingerworth, set up the foodbank at New Tupton Evangelical Church around ten years ago.

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Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic and a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford to fight child food poverty, the big-hearted volunteers have received a number of generous donations for their project from members of the community as well as Tupton Parish Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and businesses.

Joyce Quigley and Sylvia Tidmarsh outside Tupton Evangelical Church to raise awareness of their food bank. Pictures by Brian Eyre.Joyce Quigley and Sylvia Tidmarsh outside Tupton Evangelical Church to raise awareness of their food bank. Pictures by Brian Eyre.
Joyce Quigley and Sylvia Tidmarsh outside Tupton Evangelical Church to raise awareness of their food bank. Pictures by Brian Eyre.
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That means the foodbank is growing – and they are keen to raise awareness that they can offer help to even more people right now.

Sylvia said: “At a time when people are sometimes having to choose between heating their house and eating, we believe it’s important for us to step in and offer support.

“We’ve heard some really heartbreaking stories recently – one lady told me she’d lived on toast for three weeks so she could feed her children.

“We’re all about helping people – and our foodbank is here to be used by anyone in the community who’s struggling.

Well done to Joyce and Sylvia for setting up the food bank.Well done to Joyce and Sylvia for setting up the food bank.
Well done to Joyce and Sylvia for setting up the food bank.
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“You don’t need a referral because we believe a lot of people can fall through the cracks – and falling on hard times can happen to anyone.

“We just want people to be aware that we’re here to help them.”

Josh Dickens, of New Tupton Evangelical Church, which is based on Queen Victoria Road in the village, added: “The foodbank provides much-needed support for individuals and families in Tupton – and with the help of local people and businesses we have the capacity to help more.

“If you or anyone you know need food or drink, whether as a one-off or more frequently, then please give us a call.

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“It is totally confidential and we will aim to meet you at a time convenient to you – in line with social distancing guidelines – no judgement, no questions asked.”

To access the foodbank or to find out how to donate, call 07927 012879 or visit tuptonevangelical.com/food-bank

People can also find out more information about the foodbank via www.facebook.com/Tuptonfoodbank.

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Related topics:DerbyshireMarcus Rashford