Vineyard Compassion Lobbies at Westminster

This week our CEO, Ricky Wright, and Support Worker, Elsa McLennan, joined Trussell, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and over 700 other campaigners to lobby the UK Government to commit to an Essentials Guarantee so that everyone can afford the basic essentials we all need to live. The message was clear: the current system isn’t working, and it’s time for change. 

With food banks continuing to see record demand, we know that handing out emergency food parcels alone isn’t the answer. That’s why it was important for us to be in the room at Westminster; to share the stories we hear from people with lived experience of the pressures of a Universal Credit that is falling short. 

At the Hope Centre we talk to local people every day who rely on emergency food bank support. Sadly, this has become a way of life for many. 

Elsa, who works directly with these individuals and families in crisis, said: 

“The cost-of-living crisis means that all sorts of people, even those with jobs, are relying on charities like ours because they simply cannot afford the basic essentials of food, utility bills and vital household goods. We need a social security system that gives people dignity and stability, not constant worry.” 

As we continue our work here on the North Coast, we’re more determined than ever to advocate for long-term solutions. We’re working with our local MP, Gregory Campbell to ensure that everyone can afford the essentials and live with dignity. 

You can add your voice to ours by emailing your local MP https://bit.ly/3TgDl3L 

We want to see a future where food banks are no longer needed. Because everyone should be able to afford life’s essentials.