GUIDANCE will be on hand for struggling residents in Stratford using the town’s foodbank.
Rev Audrey Simpson from Stratford’s Methodist Church has been appointed chaplain to the charity to offer guidance and counselling to those in need. Her role will last a year before another chaplain is appointed by church leaders in the town.
She said: “I am delighted to become an active part of Stratford’s Foodbank – I have seen the work and impact the charity has made in the town, and recognise the volunteering opportunity it provides. I am looking forward to supporting this work in my role as chaplain and am looking forward to getting know foodbank volunteers”
Foodbank manager Marion Homer added: “The foodbank’s links with the churches in Stratford are extremely important, and the creation of a foodbank chaplain is a recognition of that.
“We know that sometimes the stories our clients tell us can be difficult to hear so the opportunity to discuss them outside of a distribution session with our chaplain, regardless of the beliefs held by the volunteer, will be extremely helpful.”
The Stratford Foodbank launched in 2013 after the closure of a soup kitchen run by the Salvation Army. Stratford’s churches recognised a gap left in support to the town’s vulnerable residents and united to launch a foodbank.
