Lightwaves Community Trust helps hundreds in need with foodbank service

When lockdown was announced on March 23, the main source of income for many disappeared, forcing people and families into unchartered territory. Understanding that putting a meal on the table was going to be harder than ever, Mohammed Ayub from the trust came up with the idea of creating a coronavirus food bank project, in partnership with the centre’s Next Generation Youth and Community Project.

Since then, the food bank has grown into a team of more than 50 volunteers who have delivered 850 parcels to people in the local area.

Mohammed Ayub said: “I’ve been amazed and proud at how the multicultural local community has come together throughout these difficult times to contribute financially and with food donations.”

The dedicated volunteers have also gone above and beyond in their support, completing shopping for people shielding, providing phone calls to those wanting a chat and delivering activity packs to children who would normally be attending youth clubs at Lightwaves. Donations have come from a variety of different sources across the city, including local mosques, supermarkets, businesses and residents.

Donations of food can be dropped off at the centre, on Lower York Street, between 1pm and 3pm every Tuesday.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/LightwavesTrust or www.facebook.com/nextgenyouthandcommunityproject.