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Real Stories
“The foodbank was a lifesaver.”
“Without the foodbank, I don’t think I would be here today.”
Your support is helping us to change lives.
Nikki’s Story
Nikki (name changed), aged 36, is a single mother with three children aged 14, 9 and 3.
Nikki was referred to West View Advice & Resource Centre through Hartlepool Foodbank after she had made a new claim for Universal Credit. Like many new claimants, she faced a significant wait before receiving her first payment and had no income to meet her family’s immediate needs, leaving them reliant on emergency food support.
Nikki and her children had recently arrived in the UK from Mauritius after being displaced from their original island home as part of a government-led resettlement programme.
When Nida first attended the Foodbank, she was overwhelmed, frightened and uncertain about her future. Having already experienced displacement and multiple moves, she felt powerless and isolated.
By the end of the appointment, she had immediate access to fuel, a clear plan of action, and confidence that professionals were advocating on behalf of her family. Most importantly, she no longer felt she was facing these challenges alone.
Ashley’s Story
Ashley (name changed), aged 43, a single parent.
Ashley presented at Hartlepool Foodbank requiring emergency food support due to a worsening financial situation. During the visit, Ashley shared that they often struggled to keep up with day-to-day demands and found official correspondence overwhelming. Although they had been trying to make ends meet, the pressure had become too much, and they felt compelled to seek urgent help. They felt a sense of relief and hope after their initial visit, knowing there was a clear path forward. Weeks later, Ashley returned to the Foodbank to express their gratitude. Their story became an inspiring reminder to the team of how impactful the right support can be. It reinforced the importance of listening, understanding, and connecting people with resources they may not know are available.