Lewisham MP praises Salvation Army partnership work

The Labour MP for Lewisham North praised the partnership work of The Salvation Army and the Lewisham Foodbank (Trussell Trust) when she visited a food bank in the area recently. 

Vicky Foxcroft visited the food bank at The Salvation Army’s church in Deptford, which operates every Monday from 12 – 2pm, to see it in action. She met with volunteers who run the food bank and with the church leader, Lesley Holland and heard about how as the cost of living continues to rise, the need for food support is on the increase. 

People who come to the food bank can get help from a benefits advisor from Thames Reach. Further advice and support on a range of health-related issues including help with mental health and on the spot blood pressure checks is also available from an NHS team. 

Vicky Foxcroft MP said: “It’s great to see the partnership working between The Salvation Army and the Trussell Trust and hear about the additional support people can get from the NHS and benefit advisors. 

“We would obviously rather be in a position where we didn’t have food banks and people had enough money to be able to live and be independent. However, in the meantime, partnerships like this that provide a holistic approach to help people in their lives are so important and the right way to go.”

Salvation Army church leader in Deptford, Lesley Holland said: “It’s really good to have had Vicky here at our church to see first-hand the complex situations that our clients are facing. The demand for the food bank is rising every year, we currently help around 40 people and families each week. 

“With Vicky having had the opportunity to come and see how much we do alongside Lewisham Foodbank here in Deptford I would hope that this can influence government to help struggling people and families.”

Other weekly activities at Deptford Salvation Army include a baby and toddler group and an Inside Out group, where people can enjoy some light gardening, craft activities, a pool table and board games.