IN RESPONSE to Denis Voller’s letter querying whether there is really a need for foodbanks, sadly the answer is a resounding yes.

Cirencester may have the façade of an affluent Cotswold town but there are many people who find themselves in significant financial distress for a multitude of reasons.

At Cirencester Signpost we come alongside the homeless and vulnerable within our community providing practical assistance and support.

This year alone, we have been dealing with record numbers of homeless, which includes women. Due to there being no provision of emergency accommodation in Cirencester many are sleeping out in sheds or tents.

Several tents caught fire in an apparent arson attack in February and unfortunately one young lady this week had to seek medical attention having been bitten by a rat that got into her tent. This is the daily reality of life for some in 2017.

We are also providing assistance to many in social housing, who whilst in the blessed position of having a roof over their head have no basics such as flooring, a bed, fridge or anything to cook on.

Changes to benefits, a relationship breakdown or an unexpected bill to a family whose breadwinner is on the minimum wage can leave people in dire financial straits and in some cases without anything to live on for several months. We have witnessed people who have not eaten for days and this includes mums who go without so the children have enough.

Foodbanks provide a desperately needed source of help in someone’s greatest time of need.

GRAHAM AND JULIETTE HARRIS
Co-ordinators of Cirencester Signpost