THE Wrexham Foodbank team has announced it will be opening a new distribution centre in Llay next week.

Based at St Martin’s Church, the centre will be open on Thursdays from 1-2.30pm.

Anyone who has a referral can come and collect their food parcel from the team of volunteers who are there to welcome people and offer a listening ear and signpost to further support if possible; as well as giving the food, toiletries, pet food and cleaning items all donated by members of the public.

The distribution centres in Cefn Mawr and Gwersyllt are also re-opening, having been temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

Along with the centres in Rhosddu, Caia Park and either side of the town centre, there are now seven distribution centres open, as well as home deliveries offered twice a week.

Throughout 2020, the foodbank distributed almost 3000 three-day food parcels, feeding 7052 people, including 2653 children.

Sally Ellinson, Project Manager at the Wrexham Trussell Trust Foodbank says: “We are well stocked at our warehouse thanks to the generosity of the Wrexham community, and our volunteers are keen to help, so I’d just like to encourage anyone who is in need to get in touch and request a food parcel.

"Anyone can find themselves in a crisis situation for all sorts of reasons such as issues with benefits or wages, illness or debt. There is so much help available in Wrexham through organisations such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Community Money Advice, council services, schools, health workers and charities – the resources are there so please don’t be shy in making that call.”

The Foodbank works with partner organisations across the borough and its aim is to ensure that we can one day live in a UK without the need for foodbanks at all. They do this through national and local campaigning using data gathered, and providing other services such as nappies, cooking and budgeting courses, home starter packs for prison-leavers, stationery and lunch packs for school children, school holiday meals, and fuel vouchers.

For more information on how you can support the foodbank, get involved in the #hungerfree campaign, or how you can get help, look at their website, call/text 07538 547971 or email info@wrexham.foodbank.org.uk.