The Radstock Distribution Centre of the Somer Valley Foodbank was delighted to welcome Lord Hylton to its Wednesday session last week.

Lord Hylton, a crossbencher in the House of Lords, had the opportunity to see the team in action and to appreciate how valuable the Foodbank is.

His estate of Ammerdown, which hosts a thriving multi-faith conference centre, was instrumental in the setting up of the Somer Valley Foodbank, so he was well aware of the service provided, but was interested in the nuts and bolts; where the food comes from, which agencies refer clients, whether local businesses donate, the impact of Universal Credit, and whether Foodbanks are in a position to offer legal and financial advice.

The differences between the needs of urban and rural communities were raised, as well as the changing attitudes of the general public: many people now know someone who has had to turn to Foodbanks for help, and are likely to be more sympathetic and generous.

Foodbanks provide three days of emergency food to people who need it the most. Professionals, such as health visitors, social workers and the CAB, identify people in crisis and issue them with a Foodbank voucher.

The voucher can be taken to a Foodbank distribution centre where a friendly team of volunteers will offer a cup of tea and help people with their food needs.

With more than seventy volunteers collecting and transporting food, helping in distribution centres, and providing support to those who visit, the Somer Valley Foodbank is one of the biggest volunteer-led projects in Bath and North East Somerset.

For further details, contact Somer Valley Foodbank Chairman, Paul Woodward, on: 07729 523986 or email: [email protected], or visit the website: www.somervalleyfoodbank.org.uk and complete an application form.