IN the week that Ledbury Food Bank has made its move to a new premises, a housing association has stepped forward with a cash boost.

As part of Platform Housing Group’s Christmas Kindness campaign, Food Bank volunteers have been handed a cheque for £1,000.

The money will be particularly welcome amid the Food Bank’s move from St Katherine’s Hall to Unit 1 of the Homend Industrial Estate, close to the railway station. 

To date, the social landlord has donated more than £27,000 to grassroots community groups up and down the country. The cash will help ensure vulnerable families can get what they need to make the best of the festive season.

Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group said: “We know that for many, Christmas is a struggle and we want to play our part in alleviating that. 

“We want as many local families as possible to benefit from our donations and to have something to make their Christmas a memorable one.”

Kelly Welsh, a volunteer at the Food Bank said: “A very big thank you to Platform Housing Group for their seasonal donation. 

“We are busier than we have ever been before and support like this is a great boost to our work to help make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas.”

The Food Bank’s move to the new premises comes amid unprecedented levels of requests for assistance. 

The new base is also more easily accessible and has better facilities for visitors and volunteers.  

Food Bank trustee Mark Lister said: “The unit is all on one level, so there will be no need to carry heavy items up and down stairs; there is a kitchen, so we can continue to offer breakfasts and other refreshments; and there is an office so that clients can be seen in private when necessary.”

It will continue to open every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to noon. 

Other than the change of address, all of the Food Bank’s other contact details remain unchanged. For details, call 07581 283092 or email food@ledburyfoodbank.org. 

For advice about how to gain assistance or to offer support to the food bank, visit its website at ledburyfoodbank.org.