'Even working families are facing challenges'

NORTHUMBERLAND food bank boss has spoken about the challenges facing families as they “struggle to make ends meet”.

- KALI LINDSAY

> Jamilah Hassan of the Banks Group with Karina Henery and David Lea of Wansbeck Valley Food Bank

Wansbeck Valley Food Bank provides food aid to people in need in the communities surrounding Ashington, Newbiggin, Ellington, Lynemouth, Bedlington and Morpeth, with support provided via referrals from a network of over 200 care professionals and other agencies across the area.

Alongside its emergency food distribution services, the food bank also works to help people facing homelessness or in vulnerable housing situations access essential equipment that they can use to stay safe and sheltered while they're working towards finding a new home.

Based in Morpeth, Wansbeck Valley Food Bank was set up in 2012 to help prevent and relieve poverty or financial hardship across the local community, with its work being supported by a team of more than 60 local volunteers.