Good Company is a local charity that grew out of Epsom and Ewell Foodbank, founded 12 years ago by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. We very much rely on our band of around 250 volunteers who help out in many different ways; people from all …
Author Archives: JenB
The importance of early mental health support
Alison, one of our community commissioners, shares her thoughts on the importance of mental health support for anyone experiencing poverty. I moved to Epsom in 2017 from Zimbabwe where I was born. I lived there for 31 years, got married and had my two amazing children. Unfortunately, my marriage broke down and so did …
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We need to talk about the hard stuff
Charmaine, one of our Community Commissioners reflects on what the Poverty Truth Commission means to her and why we need to talk to bring about change. The PTC is important to me. I’ve had conversations with fellow Community Commissioners about how difficult it is to talk about the hardships we have been through. We have …
“No one eats a proper meal, everyone is just snacking.”
School food is in the news again after a Headteacher in Southampton complained about the “completely unacceptable” meals being provided to students and apologised to parents. The photos he posted of some of the meals being served at his school canteen went viral under the headline, “how hard is it bake a potato?”.1 At Good …
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Refugee access to education
Refugee Manager, Jess Brooks writes about a new post funded by Surrey County Council to support Ukrainian families to access and navigate the education system. In a world where education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities, ensuring that every individual has access to quality education is paramount. Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) is …
Waving around in the dark
Ben, one of our Community Commissioners had to leave his job after suffering from ill health. Here is his story, in his own words. What I struggled with most was coming from having a good job. I’ve always worked since I was a kid really, Dad said; “If you want pocket money go and work on the …
Listening without prejudice
Community Commissioner, Morine (pictured here far left at the PTC launch) reflects on her mental health journey My experience of mental health issues began in very early childhood with a series of traumatic events. This began with the death of my father, which I witnessed at four years old, and ongoing mental and physical abuse throughout my …
The worrying rise in deep poverty and what we can do to solve it
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research and Impact at the Trussell Trust recently spoke at a small event for staff and a few of our partners and supporters. We think her insights and knowledge are worth sharing, so Jen Barnard nb. no relation! (Strategy Lead) has summarized some of Helen’s key points here: The most …
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Opening our eyes to hardship
Good Company recently launched the second East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission (PTC), which brings together a group of 15 Community Commissioners with lived experience of using the Foodbank or Pantry and a group of 18 Civic & Business Commissioners from councils, housing associations, local health and education providers, businesses and charities. Over the course of …
Christmas Saving Scheme
Pantry Manager Bex writes about a new pilot project: The Christmas Saving Scheme In the lead up to this festive period Epsom Pantry has been trialling a new initiative suggested by members and clients: a Christmas Saving Scheme. The idea came out of the Next Steps Focus Groups that were held with members of Epsom …
