Winchester charity doubles its presence in city (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Winchester charity doubles its presence in city
5:44pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News
Volunteers at Winchester Basics Bank's new branch at St Barnabas Church, Weeke
A WINCHESTER charity has doubled its presence in the city.
Winchester Basics Bank opened a second branch at St Barnabas Church, Weeke, last Thursday (Feb 28).
The church will act as a distribution point on Thursday mornings, providing food to families and vulnerable people in urgent need.
Lord Plant, patron of the charity, did the ribbon cutting honours.
He said: “This is an innovative approach that will spread help even further across the city and the surrounding area. It would be a big mistake to assume that because Winchester is an affluent place that there are not pockets of people that have this need.”
The charity opened in 2004 and has been based in Milland Road, Highcliffe, since 2009, where it gives out food and clothing.
Last year Basics Bank supported 2,446 people, distributing 11,859 days worth of food and 1,068 clothes vouchers.
Moira Knapman, chairman of trustees, added: “The need for this in Winchester has doubled since we opened in 2004 and we are supporting more families than ever before. It’s difficult for some families to get across the city to Milland Road so it’s important we have this branch available to the community where they live.”
Rev Philip Cochrane of St Barnabas Church said he was delighted to accommodate the charity.
He said: “This is the beginning of a larger scheme for us which is to look at our assets and how well we are using them for the community’s benefit.”
Ms Knapman added the charity was always looking for new volunteers and food donations.
For more details call 01962 855774 or email winchbbank@gmail.com.
