As Christmas fast approaches the most many of us will have to worry about is getting our presents bought in time, but for hundreds of Fermanagh families even putting food on the table will be a struggle.  

Enniskillen Foodbank, which gave out over 800 emergency food packages to hungry families and individuals last year, is already busily preparing for the festive season, when it traditionally sees demand for help surge. Manager of the Foodbank, Paul Dickson, said in winter their numbers triple due to a drop in the temperatures, with people having to choose between “heating or eating”, while Christmas puts extra pressure on already struggling families. 

Formerly known as Inside Out, the rebranded service will expand its opening hours from next week, moving from one day a week to three, in the hope of helping more people. From Monday, November 23 the service at the Lakes Vineyard Church, Cross Street, will open on Monday nights 6-8pm, Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, and Fridays from 2pm-4pm. 

Mr Dickson said the foodbank worked with over 40 other agencies within the Fermanagh community, such as the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul, as well as operating separate foodbanks in Lisnaskea and Brookborough. Last year the foodbank prepared over 200 Christmas hampers and expects to do the same this year, with the help of volunteers from throughout the community. Mr Dickson  said the hampers helped ease the burden on families, who may not require the foodbank’s assistance throughout the year, over Christmas. 

 

Mr Dickson stressed the foodbank, which is seeded by the Trussle Trust, helped people from all walks of life, from those who have been cut off from their benefits to business people going through a rough patch. “When people think about foodbanks they think of people who are maybe on benefits or who are really down on their luck and are very poor,” he said. “That’s not the case. There are a lot of people who have a big house they paid a fortune for and now they’re in negative equity, they’re struggling like mad, maybe had to change jobs because of the way the world has changed, and they’re struggling to pay their mortgage, to pay for their car. They may look on the surface like a nice quiet swan going down the river but underneath their legs are going mad because they’re struggling.”

While many agencies contact the foodbank on behalf of clients, those who call into the centre themselves can expect a gentle, non-judgemental assessment from Mr Dickson, who will ask about income and outgoings, although no proof is needed. Supermarket bags are also given to clients, making the process very discreet.  “No one ever goes away without food who comes in, it’s a big step to cross that threshold into a food bank,” said Mr Dickson, who said they will provide whatever they have to people of all backgrounds. He added the foodbank received a lot of assistance from the non-denominational, community-based Lakes Vineyard Church, which he said acts as “a middleman.”  

If you need assistance from the Enniskillen Foodbank contact 07706499724 Monday to Friday, visit their website enniskillen.foodbank.org.uk, visit its Facebook page, or simply call in.