Due to the recent benefit cuts etc, I know there will be a lot more poverty locally. I know in Newcastle Churches and the like are setting up food banks etc, but I was wondering if anything like that was happening in the Bedlington area? I have time, but no money, to give and want to help!

Due to the recent benefit cuts etc, I know there will be a lot more poverty locally. I know in Newcastle Churches and the like are setting up food banks etc, but I was wondering if anything like that was happening in the Bedlington area? I have time, but no money, to give and want to help!

If I remember correctly the Coffin Chapel was doing a food bank and the BBC reported from there, don't know if they are still doing it or if i am wrong. Can someone confirm if i am right or wrong?

Still there as far as I know Adam. The Mathews Project? Hope it is I put my green ASDA ticket into that box!

Plus East Bedlington Parish Council have baled out the school breakfast club a couple of times as far as I know!

21st century, first world country, makes you kinda wonder!

EBPC bailed out the school breakfast clubs with a donation of £500 each. The Mathew project is still going strong ( ashamed to say ) They are distributing parcels worth £25 to needy families that are referred to them by social workers etc. We awarded them a grant of £4,500 from the Bernicia community grants fund the other week. Adam, if you want some bumf on them, I think I still have some from their application pitch.

IDS reckons people can exist on 53 quid a week!

Tell HIM to try:

www.change.org/IDSpetition

http://theblogofkevin.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/headaches-and-toast-living-on-18-a-week/

Posted this elsewhere but seems appropriate here.

Thanks everyone. I will check out the Matthews Project and the Coffin Chapel. I've signed the IDS petition already and wish I could sign it again!