A LLANDUDNO foodbank have seen a “huge increase” in requests for help as the cost-of-living crisis worsens, and are appealing for help from whoever is capable.
The Ty Hapus Community Resource Centre & Foodbank, located on Ffordd Penrhyn, have been inundated as the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen, with more and more people desperate for warmth, shelter and food.
The foodbank have been working with the Edinburgh Woollen Mill clothing store in the town, who are collecting blanket donations on behalf of the centre, who then distribute them.
The partnership came about after the Mostyn Street store employee Jo’s husband Will, who runs classes at the centre twice a week, suggested the shop continue to support the community.
Manager of the Ty Hapus Community Centre, Jayne Black, said the blanket initiative was a “great idea”, adding: “People are going to avoid putting the heating on this winter as they are terrified of the bills - any blankets donated will be given with parcels to families and individuals.
“If it helps them a little then it’s worthwhile - the elderly and children are going to be the most vulnerable.
Ms Black also said that the current crisis is creating a somewhat cruel cycle, whereby donations are at a high demand, but due to the current economic struggles many families face, many cannot afford to give.
“We are a busy foodbank anyway, but the past four weeks we have seen a huge increase in requests for help so much so we ran out of a lot of items as understandably donations have dropped considerably - people can’t afford to donate,” said Jayne.
Ty Hapus has also acted as a school uniform bank for the last seven years, where families have been able to get free uniform or donate one and take the next size up.
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However, Jayne says the situation has never been this bad, and was critical of schools continuing to insist on pupils wearing branded uniform.
Jayne continued: “We’ve never had so any families as we have this year, the cost of high school uniform is just adding to the financial pressures.
“I honestly hoped that branded uniform would be put on hold for the next couple of years to help families, it would help them so much.”
An Edinburgh Woollen Mill spokesperson said: “We are asking people to donate new blankets or bedding for adults and children.
“We apologise but we cannot accept used blankets due to hygiene reasons.
“The Woollen Mill is open every day and all donations will be passed on to Ty Hapus.”
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