“A lifeline” is how one grateful family on the Inham Nook estate referred to the St Barnabas Afterschool Community Project.
The project, to combat food poverty and social isolation, is being run by St Barnabas Church with support from the Emergency Assistance Fund of Notts County Council.
Starting as a summer breakfast project for families struggling during the school holidays, the project has developed into a Covid-safe afterschool community project with County Council support.
On Tuesday afternoons, in a specially erected gazebo outside St Barnabas Church, families can have hot snacks, collect a bag of fruit, bread and cereal bars, as well as a children’s activity, or just come to talk to any of the volunteers.
Rev Mike Forsyth, the leader of the project, said that “we know that the food given out is providing extra additional support to families who are struggling”.
“More importantly” Mike said, “we’re finding out that some families are struggling with all the changes brought about by Covid. Some who were once quite secure are now facing a very uncertain future. Many find it very helpful to just talk to someone who is happy to listen.”
The project can signpost people for extra help should this be necessary and the Hope Nottingham Foodbank works alongside the project.
The project has been supporting around 50 people both parents and children. It is supported by the local bakery firm, Birds Bakery, with donations of left-over bread.