Talking About Hunger: Our Community Conversation at The Hope Centre

On Monday 12 May, Vineyard Compassion hosted a powerful community conversation in The Hope Centre, bringing together local voices to talk honestly about poverty, hunger, and the urgent need for change, both here on the North Coast and across the UK. 

Led by CEO Ricky Wright, the event was part of a UK-wide initiative by Trussell, which is supporting foodbanks across the country to host conversations like this as part of their Guarantee Our Essentials campaign. The campaign calls for the UK Government to ensure that the basic rate of Universal Credit always covers life’s essentials like food, heating, and hygiene. 

Ricky opened the morning by setting the context: “Over 400 foodbanks are gathering people from across their communities to share insights and support the call for change. We’re doing the same today, with the aim of bringing your experiences and voices to Westminster.” 

He shared that on 18 June, he and Elsa from the Compassion Support Team will be meeting with local MP, Gregory Campbell, in London to highlight how the inadequacy of Universal Credit is driving hunger and hardship right here in our community. 

This gathering was about more than awareness - it was about shaping the message they will take to Parliament. 

With attendees representing over 15 local organisations, the event offered rich discussion, and possible solutions. The Hope Centre was buzzing with honest conversation around every table. 

Conversation starters provided by Trussell helped guide groups through themes such as dignity, the realities of living on a low income, and the role local communities can play in tackling poverty. Many were shocked to learn that the current Universal Credit allowance can be as low as £92 a week - with a five-week wait before payments begin. It was clear that rising costs, on essentials like rent, energy, and food, are hitting those on the lowest incomes hardest. 

The conversations were passionate and thoughtful and everyone agreed that no one should be going hungry in our community. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to write postcards to our MP explaining in their own words why an Essentials Guarantee is urgently needed. Many also signed an open letter that will be delivered in person in June. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, to Trussell for their support, and to our team for creating a space where we could talk about hunger. 

You can find out more and join the campaign at Trussell