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Real Stories
“The foodbank was a lifesaver.”
Your support is helping us to change lives.
January 2025
A lady in her 30s, moved into the area following domestic violence. She was looking to get back into employment and considering teacher training
- Referred to Smart Works charity
- Provided with clothing and accessories for interviews
- Provided with coaching and advice for interviews
When this client attended our distribution centre for her food parcel, she spoke with our Signposting & Support Officer who asked her about her situation. The lady was placed in Slough following domestic violence but was looking to find employment and had previously trained as a teacher in a different country. She had a teacher training interview lined up but needed extra support.
Our Signposting & Support Officer knew of Smart Works, a charity which helps women getting back into employment by providing clothing, coaching and confidence to secure jobs. The lady was referred to Smart Works in Reading. When our client returned to the Distribution centre she reported that the referral was really good, Smart Works were very welcoming, they gave accessories as well as clothes and some advice and tutoring on interview technique.
March 2024:
Single mum, from Slough
“I’ve been coming to the Foodbank on and off for about 2 years following an abusive relationship. My son and I have been trying to heal from our trauma and during this time I lost my job as a chef. I’m very grateful to the Foodbank for. It was a relief to come to the foodbank because I knew there was someone there who would help me.
I sat with a lady who showed empathy, whereas I often feel that most people look down on me. She offered to pray with me and gave me information about how the foodbank works. The quality of the food is fantastic and I can stretch it for more than 3 days… the pasta, tuna and a tomato sauce goes a long way! Without the foodbank I would have suffered big time.”
Single man with health issues from Slough
“I had to use the foodbank following unemployment due to ill health. I was pleased to be able to come to the Foodbank and I felt more secure knowing there would be help for me. The people at the foodbank are always polite and make me feel better. I don’t have a cooker or kitchen equipment but they tailored my parcel and gave me advice on how to make the food. The food parcel is really good. If I hadn’t come today, I would have starved… it’s as simple as that.”
Susan, a pensioner, from Slough
“I’ve been a few times to the Foodbank, following retirement due to sickness. I just couldn’t make my money stretch. I was so grateful to have somewhere I could go for help. The people here are really nice, pleasant. I feel happy because you are helping me and I don’t have anyone else who can help me. The food parcel is lovely. Every time I come you do me right.
I really don’t know what I would do without Slough Foodbank… I’d have been destitute I suppose. I can’t afford essentials, not even incontinence products that I need and you even had some of those. I’m so grateful for you.”