Real Stories

The voices and stories of our clients play a vital role in our foodbank. Read below some stories of people we have supported through crisis (names have been changed to protect our clients’ privacy).

 

Olivia’s story

“I am truly grateful for the fantastic assistance I received at Taff Ely Food Bank. From the moment I arrived, Charmaine [Taff-Ely Foodbank’s support manager] greeted me with warmth and compassion. She took the time to listen to my situation and provided not only food but also emotional support, making me feel valued and understood during a challenging time.”

“The environment at the food bank is welcoming and uplifting, and Charmaine’s dedication is evident in the thoughtful way she organizes the resources. Thanks to her, I was able to access nutritious food, gas and electricity help and other essentials that helped me get back on my feet. I cannot thank Charmaine and the Food Bank enough for their incredible service. They truly make a difference in our community.”

Grace’s story

“I was diagnosed with a significant health condition not long after my son was born. It left me bedbound for weeks, unable to care for my son and daughter and relying on family and friends to help.  I didn’t know what the future held for me, I had to give up work due to my diagnosis and apply for PIP, leaving me with very little money and no idea what was going to happen next, then a friend suggested I come speak to Charmaine at the foodbank.  She told me that while I was waiting for PIPto come through, I could come and be given a food parcel when I needed it, but not only that, there were also nappies, wipes and baby formula, for my son also.”

“I’m so beyond grateful for all the help and support I have received. I genuinely would have been so lost throughout this whole process. I was able to come and receive support and kindness when it felt like my whole world was crashing, my condition isn’t going to get better anytime soon but knowing I have the support available when I need it makes all the difference.”

Eve’s story

“I came to speak to Charmaine over the phone after my health visitor picked up a food parcel for me, I had recently experienced a house fire and was in temporary accommodation. I had nothing – only the clothes on my back. She let me know she was there if I needed anything to just call her, to my surprise a few days later she called me to let me know that she had not only managed to get clothing for me and my family, she had also managed to secure vouchers for me to purchase clothing and household items for me and my family to help us get back on our feet after being given a house.”

“I was not expecting this, and it was such a weight off my mind knowing I could access support when I needed it and the foodbank would do all they could to help.”

John’s story

“I was struggling for food and was living in temporary accommodation, and came to the foodbank after receiving a voucher from my support worker. I felt ashamed to have to use a foodbank but was grateful that services like this existed. I was also awaiting the results of my PIP claim so had no money until that decision was made; the foodbank supported me through this making sure I had enough food until my PIP decision was made.”

“I was also being supported by a support worker to find a place of my own.  I now finally have my own accommodation and my PIP has been awarded. I’m extremely thankful for the foodbank and grateful for all the support they were able to offer me.”

Jessica’s story

“I have a long-term health issue that isn’t going to get any better. My children’s school referred me for a foodbank – I was embarrassed, ashamed and anxious to have to use one, but would do anything to feed my kids. My eldest daughter is my carer and helps out with her younger siblings as they both have their own health issues.”

“It was Christmas time when I came to the foodbank, I had £3 in the bank and not a clue on how I was going to manage, I spoke to Charmaine who reassured me that it was nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about and that we all fall on hard times. I was amazed by the generosity of everyone at the foodbank and the amount of food I was given, I was asked about how I was going to manage Christmas day and I just broke down.”

“I explained that my eldest is my carer and how my two youngest are neurodivergent with additional health conditions. She explained that my local church was doing Christmas dinner free of charge, but I knew I’d never make it with my health issues and the children, but it was suggested that it was delivered to me. In that moment I just broke down, I know my situation isn’t going to get better any time soon, but in that short space of time I was shown so much kindness and generosity from strangers that I had a glimmer of hope again.”

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