HALF-term holidays have proved difficult for many families during the coronavirus pandemic. For parents whose children receive free school meals, it can be difficult for them to provide for their children at the best of times but the pandemic has squeezed finances even further. While recent school holidays have seen the Government step in after sustained pressure from the likes of footballer Marcus Rashford, families were left to rely on local council support this half-term. Coun Lisa Brown, who founded Carlisle Community Help and the city’s affordable food hub, said the organisation had seen an increase in demand last week but the number of people who require support had already been rising.
CARLISLE S food bank has moved into its new home as it looks to cope with increased demand. The service began operating from its new home at Tower Court on West Tower Street - the former home of Edenside Carpets - on Friday. . Clients now come in and pick their food parcels up rather than having it delivered by volunteers. Those who are self-isolating or shielding due to coronavirus can nominate someone else to pick up their food for them. Part of the reason behind the move was to make the service more Covid-safe.
Carlisle Foodbank manager Stephanie Humes said the move had gone well.
Carlisle punk band, Shot Balowski, and frontman Simon Whittle (right) Lockdown has been particularly tough for venues across Cumbria as they continue to keep their doors closed to customers and the local artists who rely on their support. The Harraby Theatre in Carlisle has taken to Twitter in order to share the work of one local band everyday as a way of offering their support to local artists who struggle to get their names out their without the local gigs. “I just want to give everyone in Carlisle and the surrounding area the chance to hear some local bands again,” said Russ Withey, a share-holder at the Harraby Theatre.
CARLISLE Foodbank is moving to a new location as demand continues to increase. As of February 12, the service will no longer operate from its current home at Nisi Prius. Instead, it will be located at Tower Court on West Tower Street, at the former Edenside Carpets store. Stephanie Humes, the food bank’s manager, explained why the decision had been taken. She said: “It’s very exciting. At the moment, we’re still operating as normal, but we’re having the grand opening – if you like – on February 12. “That will mean things will be a little different. At the moment we’re just doing deliveries, but we re going to have people coming to collect.”
Special donation from staff at Avanti West Coast who gave hundreds of food items to help support Carlisle Foodbank. It was the idea of customer service assistant, Katie Smith who set up a collection point at the station. Items have included baked beans, sauces, mince pies, biscuits, and toiletries. Katie, who volunteers as a Community Champion, was determined to make a difference over the festive period and chose to help Carlisle Foodbank. She said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response. Carlisle Foodbank is close to our hearts. I’ve seen some of the great work they do and spoken to people who have benefitted from their support. We wanted to play our part to help the Foodbank continue their vital work in the community, even more so in the run up to the festive period.”