Ely challenges poverty – Tuesday

Tuesday is always my day for planning, report writing and catching up on admin. My least favourite jobs but an equally important part of my role. Its also nice to have a general tidy up of my lovely office as I’m not very organised and the state of my office often results in a few raised eyebrows! However a messy desk is a busy desk.

 

I attended some online training to help vulnerable customers to access special tariffs and considerably reduce their water costs. We can’t prevent the loss of income through the removal of the UC uplift but we can try and make sure you’re paying as little as possible for utilities so that the money you have can stretch that little bit further.

 

The centre was busy as Cafe Barr was open and lots of people were just enjoying an affordable cuppa and food with friends. The team worked really hard today as they always do. We still have free tea and coffee available to everyone – you just help yourself!

 

Took in a very random donation that contained a lot of books so we ordered a bookshelf, in the next few days we will have a little library in the centre. Becki said she really should make more time to read and said it is the perfect way to escape. I agree, I always have my nose in a book. The library will not only provide free reading material for people, but encourage them to donate an old book for someone else to read.

 

Stacie was having a Pantry Team meeting which I joined, they are concerned that people are turning up in crisis and seeking food. We recognise we need to respond to this and have some ideas to take forward. Pantry Team are busy as we speak prepping and sorting for tomorrow’s Pantry. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, we have over 30 people booked in to shop and the deliveries are ready to go for those who receive a weekly delivery because they have been identified as vulnerable. Our delivery drivers not only drop off the food but also conduct a welfare check and report back any concerns so they can be followed up.

 

If you have any ideas about what we could be doing, please let us know. We don’t have all the answers but we have passion and determination to help make a difference.