People are urged to ‘reach out’ for help at Fountain Foodbank

People are urged to ‘reach out’ for help at Fountain Foodbank

28 May 2025

A LOCAL foodbank is urging people in need to make use its services.

Fountain Foodbank in Downpatrick wants to make sure those needing help to combat food insecurity and hunger can get it easily. 

The foodbank, which is based in the town’s Presbyterian Church hall in Fountain Street, can provide emergency food parcels to anyone finding themselves in difficult circumstances .

It hopes to end any stigma associated with going to a food bank and acknowledges that many people do not find this easy. 

Recently, the foodbank has noticed a small in those accessing its services. This may be a sign of an improving local situation, but the foodbank wants to reach out to the community and make sure everyone gets the right help.

Shirley Lennon, volunteer co-ordinator at the foodbank said: “Seeking help like this can be a sign of strength and resilience.

“It takes courage to ask for help, and going to a foodbank is a valid and responsible way to address food insecurity.

“Reaching out for help might allow you to focus on other aspects of life, such as finding a job or managing other responsibilities without the added stress of wondering how you will feed your family.

“We aim to be welcoming to those who visit us and would like to encourage local people to reach out for help.”

Fountain Foodbank is open between 10 and 12 noon every Friday. Although the foodbank prefers people to use their simple referral system, they are keen that this does not discourage people from seeking help.

If you need support, call in on a Friday, email fountainfoodbank@gmail.com or ring the volunteers on 07444 015883.

Shirley said: “Referral makes this seem formal and a bit intrusive, but it is really a chance for our partner groups to chat with people.

“They check your identity and ask a few questions about your current circumstances. The person may pinpoint other support available to you.

“The process helps the foodbank make sure our valuable donations are given out fairly and compassionately. We aim to treat people confidentially and with compassion and integrity.

“Many past clients comment on how welcoming our volunteers are and often express surprise as the anxieties they had about using a foodbank were unfounded.”

Shirley says the community is facing real issues with food access and affordability.

“Statistics show that one in seven people are facing hunger,” she continued. “Fountain Foodbank regularly gives out 20 food parcels a week to people in a variety of situations.” 

The following comments demonstrate some of the situations people face:

My hours have been reduced due to funding cuts

I often end up not eating so I can feed my children

I’m worried about feeding my family during the school holidays

My pension doesn’t meet my needs as it used to because of price rises

I’m waiting on Universal Credit to be sorted out

My wife is ill, and I am not able to work due to caring responsibilities and waiting on benefit assessment.

Fountain Foodbank has developed a good working relationship with Newry, Mourne and Down Community Advice, which is one of the partner groups that make referrals to the foodbank.

Also an advice café has begun to operate on the second Friday of each month from the foodbank premises. No appointment is needed, and people can drop in for advice on money, benefits, housing, work, debt and family issues from the friendly, well-qualified advisors.   

Shirley remarked: “Thanks to the amazing generosity of many donors and a brilliant team of caring volunteers, Fountain Foodbank currently has the resources to help many in Downpatrick, Ardglass, Killough, Strangford, Killyleagh and surrounding areas of Lecale.”