New Forest church Basics Bank

Churches in Lymington, Pennington, and other towns in Hampshire created the Basics Bank in an effort to help the vulnerable and residents in crisis. It is mostly run by volunteers and funded by private donations. Some short term assistance can be provided from the centre, and it will be combined with sign posting to other charities and government schemes to find a permanent solution to the hardship.

Any person from the community that needs helps, or that wants information from the benefits bank, needs a referral. The location is non discriminatory and they operate as a not for profit organisation. People from the community can be provided a referral to the organisation from the Hampshire County Council, job centres, Citizen’s Advice Bureaux, social workers or even schools. All of these organisations are committed to providing food and other support to the low income that are under exceptional pressure.

Food is provided by the New Forest Basics Bank. The parcels have different contents, ranging from meats to veggies and fruits. There may also light snacks or coffee in the boxes given to people with a voucher. The aim of the church is put into each parcel of food tinned items, vegetables or groceries that can last up to seven days. The goods can also be provided based on the number of people that live in the household, so a larger family will be given a larger parcel of free food.

Free Christmas parcels are offered too. This may be for lunches or a hot dinner, and they can be served to the homeless and low income. This service will take place at one of two sites in the town during the month of December.

Other household items, in particular toiletries, kitchen items, and clothing may be passed out by the volunteers. The churches can have goods such as soap, toilet rolls, shampoo, and more for the low income in Hampshire. The items available from the New Forest Basics Bank will also vary based on donations and the work of volunteers in collecting items from the community.

Dozens of volunteers work with the charity on its success. There are also many supporters in Hampshire County, including businesses and individuals, that give their local church generous gifts of goods and money. This helps keep the Benefits Bank stocked with food and other items that are needed by the vulnerable.

Anyone seeking help needs to be local, with a priority given to people in a dire emergency. The food assistance will also assist children as well as the elderly in the area. There may also be assistance for families in poverty, but with limited resources, a key aim is on addressing a crisis first.

Examples of clients of the New Forest Basics Bank are young people, children, and single parents. Their is also help, such as free food, for the mentally ill as well as senior citizens. Those in debt or living in poverty may receive short term assistance, but many of the services from the charity for those individuals will be referrals to agencies that can provide a permanent solution.

The hours of the bank are limited, and it is only open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 12 Noon. As noted, a voucher and referral is needed from an organisation. People can drop in at the centre at Lymington United Reformed Church, High Street, Lymington, or they can call 01590 610008.