Unfortunately, the dependence on food banks continues to increase, and the help and support they provide across the Chorley and Leyland Group has never been more needed than at present. In 2023, the Chorley and Leyland Group participated yet again in the Provincial Christmas Food Bank appeal, and the group executives would like to send a huge thank you to the lodges, chapters and many individuals who made donations. A total of an astonishing amount of £4,200 was raised!
This year, four food bank charities who operate in the towns and communities within the group area received a share of the total and it was the pleasurable task of the group treasurer, Colin Preston, to visit each of these to present them with their donation.
Urban Outreach is a long established ‘storehouse’ food bank located in the centre of Bolton. It provides weekly food parcels all year round to those in need across the borough, including Horwich and Westhoughton and surrounding areas. Dave Bagley, a founder of Urban Outreach, thanked the group for the very generous donation. The funds will be used to purchase much needed, fresh and perishable produce and provisions, which make up the distributed food parcels throughout the year.
The Leyland Food Bank operates out of St Mary’s Church in Leyland and provides both temporary and ongoing relief to those in need. Over the past couple of years, they have seen the number of ‘drop-ins’ for food parcels increase significantly. Celia Neill, the coordinator for the Leyland Food Bank, gave her sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the members of the Chorley and Leyland Group and said this donation will go a long way in providing relief to the increasing number of people who call on them for help and support. She added that the money enabled them to assist the many families in need, not only over the Christmas period, but well into the New Year.
Chorley Help the Homeless is a charity which operates out of the centre of Chorley and provides food parcels along with essential household items such as crockery, cutlery, bedding and warm clothing. Chorley Help the Homeless operates as a ‘drop-in centre’ and welcomes anyone who come through its doors. From their premises they also provide a warm social space for people to simply come along for a hot meal and a chat, as well as holding helpful events, which promotes personal development and assistance in getting their lives back on track. The charity also operates the ‘Chorley Market Food Voucher’ scheme as part of its food bank, where those in need are given vouchers to purchase essential food items from a number of the participating stalls on Chorley Market. Gavin Clayton of CHH, said that sadly this scheme has had to downsize in recent months due to a drop in donations, and that this donation will allow it to continue for a while longer.
Horwich Foodshare covers the Horwich and Blackrod areas. It is an independent food bank that gives back to the local community and is run entirely by volunteers. Foodshare provides not only a food bank, but also support and assistance in accessing other services. They also offer a befriending service by qualified staff. Horwich Food Share is run by Peter Wright and a number of volunteers who were delighted to receive this donation, he said: “As a small food bank, this donation will go a long way to improving the services we are able to provide.”
