Ann Campbell of Finchley Foodbank on their new service for clients
Finchley Foodbank is launching wider ‘wraparound’ support to people in food poverty in Barnet, in addition to the emergency food it provides.
The new information and support team will help registered clients manage everyday challenges and connect with trusted community resources. The service launched last month, alongside the usual Tuesday and Saturday food sessions, operating from St Mary’s Parish Centre in East Finchley N2.
Finchley Foodbank welcomed Jeminah Francis-Pennant as team leader for the new service. She has over 10 years’ experience supporting families and individuals through work with local authorities, community organisations and wellbeing projects, with a background in outreach, volunteer coordination, client communications and partnership working.
Jem said “I am very pleased to join Finchley Foodbank and look forward to supporting clients to use the newly formed Information and Support service.
“Clients attending the Foodbank will be encouraged to engage with the new service, and connect with wider support.The new service will provide personalised support, expert guidance and practical help such as reducing energy bills, checking benefit entitlements, and finding local employment opportunities.”
Finchley Foodbank’s head of information Helena Pugh, who has developed the new service, says “Our aim is the relief of financial hardship among people in Barnet not just by providing emergency food but by signposting people to relevant information and other advisory services that can help address the causes of poverty.
“We are proud to be able to offer this enhanced service to clients, thanks to the support of our volunteers and the hard work of our small operations team.
“With the numbers of people who need to visit the Finchley Foodbank continuing to increase, it will also help make services more sustainable.”
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