Last August, we told you about some important partnerships that Genesis Trust and Bath Foodbank has formed with Clean Slate and Citizen’s Advice. People come to the Foodbank needing crisis food support, but we understand how important it is to provide further support for people, enabling them to progress from crisis into independence.

It’s exciting to announce that the pilot scheme has become permanent with Citizen’s Advice having a presence across four separate sessions each week, offering a range of services but particularly dealing with benefits and debt.

Our partnerships with local businesses are also vital. One such partnership is with Coventry Building Society, who have chosen Bath Foodbank as their Bath branch community partner. They generously funded activity vouchers that we provided to local families over the holidays. An additional contribution came from Bath Sports & Leisure Centre (Better). These activity vouchers allowed families to enjoy the Bath Sports & Leisure Centre last summer. An amazing 140 vouchers were gifted over the summer period.

For many families needing to use the Foodbank during the long summer school break, a holiday or a day out can be a struggle to afford. Coventry Building Society and Bath Sports & Leisure Centre, through the Foodbank, offered a day-out to the Leisure Centre. Families could choose between bowling, trampolining, and swimming.

Grainne Moher, Food Manager, said, “We are very grateful for all the support Coventry Building Society has given us, particularly providing this much appreciated treat for our clients. We are very thankful too to Bath Sports & Leisure Centre for their support and their gift of additional vouchers. It was wonderful to be able to offer 140 vouchers for families to enjoy!”

We are so grateful for these partnerships and want to thank you all in our community for helping us support families and individuals in need. If you or your organisation are interested is partnering with us, please contact Hilary, our Community Manager, at hilary.long@genesistrust.org.uk.