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 …
Author Archives: JenB
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 …
Continue reading “The worrying rise in deep poverty and what we can do to solve it”
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 …
Filling the gap – why I’m a counsellor
My counselling journey began 30 years ago when I received counselling as I was struggling with my mental health, around that time, I was also introduced to the Christian faith. Five years later I started my first counselling course at Nescot college. I continued studying and finally qualified at Spurgeon’s College after 8 years. It …
The housing we need
Last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a very public intervention about housing, reiterating the government’s target to build 1 million new homes over this parliament and extend home ownership to many more households. “Only Conservatives will provide the housing we need,” he claimed. What was missing from his statement was any mention of the …
A community built alongside English lessons
Last week we celebrated the end of a fantastic year of English lessons at Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network. Over the past year, EERN has provided 42 hours of English lessons each week to over 130 students. These lessons take place at the Ukrainian Hub in Epsom, which is a space that is generously shared …
Continue reading “A community built alongside English lessons”
Celebrating 1-year of Epsom Pantry
Last week we marked the 1-year anniversary of Epsom Pantry opening its doors, with the aim of providing greater dignity and choice to people experiencing poverty and food insecurity in our community. Epsom Pantry Manager Bex Loomes writes: As soon as you walk through the door of Epsom Pantry you feel the buzz of a …
East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission – watch this space!
Poverty Lead Tom Sefton writes about the next phase of the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission……Whenever I go to one of our Foodbank centres, I am struck by how resilient people are in the face of adversity. As one of our clients said to me recently, “I think I’ve been through more in the past …
Continue reading “East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission – watch this space!”