When I first joined the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission (PTC), I didn’t really know what it was. I’d gone to the local pantry for an energy workshop, met Tom, and said yes when he asked if I wanted to join. At the time, life was tough – costs were rising, and like many families, we were just breaking even. I work at a coffee shop and run art classes on the side, but between paying off a loan and managing household expenses, there’s little room for extras. Holidays, takeaways, even new clothes for the kids – those things became luxuries we couldn’t afford.

I moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2017, and adjusting to life here was a challenge. Back home, poverty looks very different. Here, I was surprised to learn that I was considered “below the poverty line.” I had a job, a roof over my head, and food on the table – how could that be poverty? It took time to understand that poverty isn’t just about survival; it’s about the choices you don’t have, the opportunities you miss, and the constant stress of making ends meet.

Being part of the PTC opened my eyes to these differences and gave me a voice. I’ve always liked helping people, and this was a way to do that while learning from others. The best part? The get-togethers. They were fun and gave me a sense of belonging. I even made a close friend, Morine, through the Commission. Sharing my story wasn’t always easy – I’m not great at making friends and I tend to keep to myself – but I felt comfortable enough to open up.

There were challenges too. Standing on stage and speaking in front of people was nerve-wracking. I pictured everyone as primary school kids just to get through it! But those moments built my confidence, even if life has thrown setbacks my way since then.

The experience changed me. It reminded me that community matters. Loneliness is real – especially for the elderly who come into the cafe where I work just to chat because we might be the only people they see that day. Through art classes and conversations, I’ve seen how small acts can make a big difference. As I often say: “It makes me feel good that I can make other people feel good about themselves.”

Would I recommend being part of a Poverty Truth Commission? Absolutely. It’s about more than meetings – it’s about creating a better community where everyone lends a helping hand. If we all did that, imagine the impact.

For me, the PTC wasn’t just about poverty – it was about hope, resilience, and connection. And if sharing my story helps even one person see things differently, that’s a win.

Why did you agree to be involved? 

I agreed to be involved in the Poverty Network initiative for cultivating trust because firstly I’ve struggled with feeling like I’ve had a voice as an individual and importantly, I was given an opportunity to help make another ripple in our pond and help gather the wind to blow out the poverty candle!

Tell us about your experience – was it what you expected?

The experience was nothing like what I expected. It was way grander and nourishing. I thought the interactions I had with my fellow PTN members were priceless. I loved every second of it and I can’t wait for more experiences with them. I’d like to get to know them better and the same goes for the members of Parliament that came to speak with us and hear what we had to say. We had a tour around the House of Lords which was insane. It was interesting to learn about the different faces of history and things that go on, and are still going on from hundred and hundreds of years ago. Some things I thought could have been done better; more time with the MPs and have more MPs to talk to. But as this is our first outing together, I think it went very well.

What were the best bits?

My favourite bits were getting to know the people that I had met already more and also physically meeting the people I had met on our zoom calls in the months spent planning our trip. Another favourite part would definitely be the trip round the House of Lords and getting to see two debates in the time that we got to sit down and watch. Also the cakes look pretty good!

What are you hoping will happen next?

I’m hoping that this is the first of many of these meetings and this is just a seed being planted in both politicians and members of the PTN ‘s minds. I think we can turn our learning into another layer of our confidence and armour to move forward. It was only Sara from Stripey Stork and I who came from Southeast. Everybody else came from hundreds of miles away in the UK to come to London so for the majority in London is a novelty it’s a big bright shiny unknown beating living beast. It’s a thing that you talk about as ‘that London’ to then go there to do work for one day… the other people who came deserve huge respect for not only standing up to the mark but being really energetic and meaningful in their interactions.

I think we will possibly have more confidence now we’ve met each other, and we’ve gone to London. I think we’ll have our sleeves rolled up ready for the next meeting and get down to the nitty-gritty; asking demanding questions and answering challenging questions but not a bead of sweat to be seen.

I see a great future for this team and we will absolutely throw a stone into that pond and make some ripples. Watch this space!!

Banstead Pantry opened on Banstead High Street in October 2024. Run by charity Good Company in partnership with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Raven Housing Association, we are a community hub and food shop providing a low-cost alternative to a traditional shop for local people struggling with the cost of living.  

The Pantry aims to reduce dependence on foodbanks whilst offering greater dignity and choice to individuals experiencing food insecurity. For £5 a shop, members can select 10+ grocery items, including fresh meat, dairy and store cupboard essentials and enjoy access to free fruit, vegetables and bread. 

What difference are we making? 

In May 2025 we conducted a 6-month survey to get feedback from our members on their experience of the Pantry. We have put these results together in our first Banstead Pantry Impact Report. Findings show that 68% of our members now feel more in control of their finances, over two-thirds are eating more fresh produce and 90% say they are less anxious about feeding themselves and their families. One member shared “It has made a huge difference. As a carer, my financial situation has changed considerably.  Without the help that the Pantry provides, I would not have been able to put my heating on at all over the winter. I am also not skipping as many meals.” 

For many of our members the value of the Pantry is in the connections made in our community.  Members attend workshops held at the Pantry and share advice on recipes, budgeting and energy conservation. We have also established a steering group comprised of Banstead Pantry members who are eager to get involved in the running of our Pantry.  

Our survey findings reflect the impact of the community environment at Banstead Pantry. 76% of our members say they have met new people and now feel less isolated. We see this impact in our sessions where many of our members stop for a cup of tea and a chat after their shop. “My two friends use the pantry as a catch up for a lovely chat (with tea). Very friendly and helpful staff that make us feel welcome.” 99% of our members say that the Pantry offers a warm and welcoming environment, and 100% agree that the staff and volunteers are helpful and supportive. 

These findings from our first 6 months in Banstead show that the Pantry is having a very positive impact on our member’s lives, increasing their financial resilience and lowering levels of food insecurity. In the 6-months since opening we have seen Foodbank usage among our members decrease by over 50%.  

What next? 

In the coming months, we will continue to build on this initial success. We are running our first Pantry Savings Scheme and continuing to grow our Pantry Steering Group. We will also be conducting focus groups with our members to get feedback some of our initiatives including our Christmas offer and the first round of our Pantry Savings Scheme.

This week is Volunteers Week and we’re celebrating the incredible contribution over 300 volunteers make to Good Company’s mission and vision. We asked 3 of our volunteers to write about what they do and why they do it, we hope you find their words inspiring. We are so incredibly grateful for the many hours that our volunteers so generously give and for the reminder that, together, we can be a beacon of compassion, hope and justice in our communities.

Foodbank Session Leader, Fifi:

I have been working at the Foodbank for the past 3 years and recently became a Session Leader, this means that I am responsible for running the foodbank session from start to finish, ensuring the smooth operation and adherence to safeguarding and health & safety, supporting and coordinating volunteers, and providing a welcoming and supportive environment for clients to receive the help they need, which extends so much further than just food.

We see in the news a lot about children hungry with no school lunches, teenage girls dealing with the struggles of period poverty, and elders having to choose between heating and eating. Volunteering at the foodbank brings you face to face with the real people who are trying to overcome these challenges, giving you the opportunity to provide support, and help get people back on their feet. I started volunteering because I had time to spare and wanted to put it to good use to help my local community, now I find myself prioritising time for the foodbank because I’ve seen the impact we can really make.

The highlight of my time at the foodbank is really seeing how as a team of volunteers we can come together and make a difference. We deal with some super busy sessions and clients with complex situations and each week we have a blended team of newer and older volunteers all with different skill sets, backgrounds, ages, personalities- seeing how we are able to adapt, learn and support each other as we help our clients, is so incredible to see.

Pantry Volunteer, Alison:

My role is to take in deliveries from varying suppliers and stock the Pantry ready for use. I started volunteering to focus my mind on other things and to give me a focus while going through a very difficult time in my life. Also satisfaction from giving something to help others.

A memorable moment was when FareShare opened the side door and the crates had tipped, we were running after tomatoes and apples!

EERN Volunteer, Edward:

I’ve supported Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) with a number of things since they started.  This includes helping a young Syrian boy prepare for his GCSE’s, escorting a blind Ukrainian many to appointments and various practical tasks such as distributing flyers, washing up, giving lifts, escorting people to medical appointments, and helping at the Epsom Hub. I enjoy doing small but useful jobs that support the wider work of the team.

I’ve volunteered in various ways over the years, but was especially drawn to EERN because of past experiences working with refugees in Africa and later as an ambassador. I have a powerful memory of how the longing to go home stays with refugees for many years, and how disruptive displacement was and is.   The Syrian refugee crisis and the strong local response also inspired me to get involved.

There’s no single dramatic highlight, but I’ve cherished seeing refugees begin to feel settled—like celebrating a young Syrian’s GCSE pass or supporting a refugee-run café that’s now a local favourite. I’ve also been inspired by EERN’s ability to unite the whole community behind its work.

Jo Sherring, Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network Lead  writes

We believe that building a strong, welcoming community is the foundation for helping refugees and families who may be struggling financially or socially to feel safe, valued and included.  Hosting a community event like The Great Get Together allows us to bring people from all walks of life together in a spirit of unity, friendship and shared humanity.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate our diversity, forge new connections, and show that Epsom is a place where everyone belongs. In a world where division can feel overwhelming, this event helps remind us all of Jo Cox’s powerful message – that we have more in common than that which divides us.

The event is completely free, with music, food, activities and entertainment for all the family.  It will be opened by The Worshipful The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Robert Leach and the Mayoress.

The free entertainment includes songs from our much-loved Ukrainian choir, a Disney Sing-along, the Freedom Pulse Brass Band as well as children’s entertainment and crafts, treasure hunt, henna hand-painting, craft displays, and an assortment of games and sports.

Good Company incorporates Epsom & Ewell Food Bank, Epsom & Banstead Pantries and Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network.

Even though the event is free, entry tickets need to be booked HERE. This also shows the timetable of the afternoon.

The Great Get Together is the UK’s annual celebration of everything that unites our communities, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us. “Change starts at the community level; we all have the power to make a difference.” Jo Cox 

Jo Cox foundation website

This might be a question you have heard many times over the years, particularly if you are part of a Christian community. Lent, the 40 day period leading up to Easter, begins this Wednesday, right after the much loved national ‘Pancake Day’, our yearly excuse to consume pancakes, guilt free, for any or every meal of the day.

As we approach this season, the question ‘What are you giving up for Lent?’, got me thinking about all those in our community who are experiencing financial and emotional hardship. Those who have to give things up, but not by choice; who are making decisions every day about what to go without so that they can ensure their survival. Whether that is giving up a warm home to buy school uniform, or missing out on meals to pay an essential bill.

In 2024, we supported 4000 individuals, and 473 households accessed the foodbank. Whilst we have seen a 24% reduction in the number of clients accessing the foodbank multiple times, there are still many people accessing the foodbank for the first time. This indicates that there are still too many people in our community for whom giving up something essential has become part of their day to day existence.

Maybe the question we could ask ourselves at the start of Lent isn’t ‘What are we giving up?’ but simply ‘What are we giving?’

If you’d like to support our work, we invite you to make use of our 2025 Lent Resource, to reflect upon the challenges of those experiencing financial hardship in our communities and (when you’re ready) take our End Poverty Pledge and commit to a simple action to tackle local poverty. If you’d like to donate food, you can also choose to donate up to 40 items from our wishlist.

If you are able, a financial donation helps us to provide signposting, advice and support through our Support Team services.

Together, let us make this Lent period an opportunity to support our community, simply by giving.

This blog was written by Dafne, Operations Manager at Good Company.

Christmas can be a time for joy, family, and celebration, but for many, it can also be a period of financial stress. The costs of gifts, food, travel, and energy bills can quickly add up, leaving people feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to make ends meet. 

In 2024, Epsom Pantry launched the second year of the Christmas Saving Scheme to help our members plan ahead and save for the festive period. This initiative goes beyond just saving for gifts; it’s about reducing financial anxiety by building good saving habits and working towards greater financial resilience. The scheme is designed to provide a simple way for individuals and families to build a financial cushion and feel more in control of their future. Our goal is to make saving more accessible. 

How does the scheme work? 

1. Sign up:
   In February and September 2024, we invited members of Epsom Pantry to attend workshops to learn about and sign up for the scheme. 82 members participated, engaging in conversations about their personal saving motivations and reflecting on their current financial habits. The workshops also served as a space for members to share helpful tips with one another and build community support. 
2. Meet savings targets for incentives:
   Members who signed up in February were aiming to save £200 by December (£5 a week), while those who joined in September had a target of £100 (£10 a week). In December, all members who met their savings target received an £80/£40 gift voucher as a reward. Throughout the year, additional incentives included ‘free shop’ rewards for members who demonstrated their increasing savings at the Pantry. 
3. Save regularly:
   During the workshops, members were guided on how to set up savings accounts and shared tips on how to set aside money regularly. Many members planned to set up direct debits on payday or use the ’round-up’ feature to help save. By saving manageable amounts regularly, members could watch their savings grow and track their progress during their visits to the Pantry. 
4. Attend workshops for financial guidance:
   To support members with their saving, we organised a series of financial workshops led by charities including TheMoneyCharity and Christians Against Poverty (CAP). These sessions focused on essential money topics like budgeting, managing debt, understanding credit scores, and avoiding loan sharks. The workshops equipped our members with valuable financial skills and helped build their confidence in managing their finances. 

Why is it Important? 

Financial insecurity can significantly impact mental health, stability, and overall well-being. When people are struggling to save for future goals or unexpected events, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and debt. By participating in the Christmas Saving Scheme, members had the support and incentive needed to increase their financial resilience for the future. 

Impact 

In 2024, members saved a total of £13,190 through the scheme. A total of 72 members saved, and 64 members successfully met their savings targets. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. One member shared, “I wouldn’t have started saving without this scheme… I still can’t believe I’m seeing over £200 in my bank account.” Many members expressed plans to continue saving, with some intending not to use their Christmas savings during the festive period. 

One participant said, “It’s a no-brainer! I wouldn’t have thought to start saving in February for Christmas, but I wouldn’t have reached £200 if I hadn’t. I got so used to it, and I didn’t even notice the £5 leaving my account each week. I’m leaving my direct debit so I will still be saving each week.” 

What’s Next? 

This year, we are running the scheme again at Epsom and expanding it to our new Pantry in Banstead. We look forward to supporting more members to build their savings. 

By participating in the Christmas Saving Scheme members are building long-lasting financial habits that will serve them well beyond Christmas. 

As Christmas draws near, we are reminded of the true essence of peace — a peace that is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of safety, comfort and belonging. At Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN), our work centres on offering refugees not only practical assistance, but a sense of peace that comes from feeling safe, supported, and heard. For those who have fled war, persecution, and displacement, this peace is not a given — it is something we support people to strive towards every day.

Through our person-centred approach, we ensure that every person we work with is treated with dignity and respect, and that their individual needs are met in a compassionate, holistic way. This approach means understanding each person’s unique journey, offering tailored support, and building relationships based on trust and empathy. For many, the peace they experience through EERN comes from knowing that they are not just another case or statistic, but an individual with their own stories, hopes, and dreams.

This Christmas, as we reflect on the values of kindness and goodwill, we ask for your support in spreading peace to those who need it most. Whether through volunteering your time, donating, or simply reaching out to welcome a newcomer, your involvement can help us continue our vital work. By coming together as a community, we can offer refugees the peace of knowing they are part of something larger — a community that cares.

As part of our work, we’re also proud to share a poem of thanks written by one of our clients, expressing the hope and gratitude they feel as they begin to rebuild their life. This beautiful poem captures the spirit of what we aim to offer — peace, support, and a place to call home.

Poem of Thanks by One of Our Clients

A refugee is like a stranger in the desert, looking for security & sustenance.

You were like an oasis for us, you changed our misery and sadness to happiness.

Thank you for your varied range of support: translation, housing, health and food.

Your charity didn’t spare any effort to provide us with what we need.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

This festive season, let’s work together to spread peace in a tangible, meaningful way. Join us in supporting refugees, and let’s make this Christmas a time of peace, hope, and renewal for those who need it most.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network.

Picture: Painting by EERN client Mariia

Banstead Pantry opened on the high street in Banstead this September. We have been warmly welcomed by our local community, and we are so fortunate to have their support. In just a couple of months we have grown an amazing team of local volunteers who lend their time and energy to the pantry every week.

One of our volunteers is named Julie. She has now retired from a career with Mencap and was eager to put her people skills to good use. You can find Julie here at the pantry on Thursday mornings drinking a hot cup of tea and greeting all of our members as they arrive for their shops. She shares the table with many changing faces. At one moment, a baby in a pram needing looked after while mum shops. Next up, a teenager practising her sketches, then, a woman who walked uphill to get here and needs a moment to catch her breath. Finally, a new member who has just arrived, and is nervous for his very first shop. Julie greets them all with a smile and offers a listening ear to anyone who needs it.

Julie says: “Working at Mencap I am used to communicating with many types of people and having empathy for everyone who walks through the door. In the past I was very short of money myself so I realise that even if you look nice and dressed up you could still be in need. It’s difficult to ask for help, sometimes you feel ashamed or inadequate needing to go to a place to tell them that you are hungry and you need food. Volunteering here is just about caring about people and having empathy. You can’t always offer advice but you can listen to people and have an understanding of their needs.”

Julie embodies the sense of community we want to cultivate at the pantry by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for whoever walks through the door. Whether someone is in a hurry, having a bad day, or needing advice for new recipes, Julie is up for the task. It is thanks to volunteers like her that our members feel safe and valued when they come to Banstead Pantry. As our community grows, we will continue to provide a space where our members always feel included. We are so grateful to everyone who dedicates their time to our mission of providing hope, dignity, and choice to all our members.