ACT News #9 – June 2025

Foodbank – Donations update:

Thank you to everyone who supported us as a result of our Facebook post regarding our empty foodbank shelves!

The foodbank continues to be struggling with low levels of donations. Summer can be a difficult time for the foodbank, as it is traditionally a time when donations drop. Going into the school holiday we expect a peak in demand as a response to Holiday Hunger.

Anything you can do via cash donation or food donations would be gratefully received. Your gift however small does make a difference.

You can donate to us at: https://localgiving.org/charity/ascension

Special thank you to our amazing volunteers Lomembe and Val who are currently making links with shops to pick up donations including 47 boxes of noodles 

Also a huge thank you to Hammers for Foodbanks; who have pledged us £1,000 worth of food, and Newham Food Alliance; who are helping us to source the food we buy at the cheapest cost!

Intro to Advice Service

Did you know that Newham District Foodbank provides more than emergency food?

Through our advice service, we offer:

• Income Maximisation

We will assess your situation and help you apply for all the benefits you’re entitled to.

• Referrals for housing advice 

Need help with housing? We will link you with trusted organisations that can support you.

• Immigration Guidance

We refer clients to a qualified immigration advisor.

How it works

To receive advice and referrals as a foodbank user, no appointment is needed. Just bring a valid foodbank voucher and join one of Newham District Foodbank’s sessions, where someone will see you.

Meet the Ascension Advice Team:

Rose Faucher – Triage Advisor

Thursday’s at Ascension Church Centre

Rose is often the first person you will meet. She will assess your situation, and offers immediate support. She will ensure you are referred quickly to the right help, internally or externally.

Catherine Howard – Benefits Advisor

Thursdays at Ascension Church Centre

(Also available Tuesdays at St Johns Community Centre and Wednesdays at Bonny Downs Community Association)

Catherine specialises in helping people understand and access the benefits they are entitled to. Her knowledge helps clients navigate the complex benefits system.

Sonia Dawswell – Advice Service Manager

Wednesdays at Ascension Church Centre

Sonia is our most long-standing advisor, supporting our clients since the start of the project. She is responsible for the management and delivery of our advice services.

We are grateful for the ongoing funding and support from Trussell Trust that make essential services like ours possible!

Community Meal x Felsted – Afternoon Tea

On the 3rd June, in the middle of National Volunteers Week, we held a special Afternoon Tea version of our weekly Community Meal; with help from the amazing staff and students of Felsted School. The day started with the Year 8’s performing a concert in the church, before heading into the hall for a selection of food prepared and served by the catering department, staff and students of the school.

The meal was a great success, with 92 people served. It was a wonderful way to show gratitude for everyone who make our mission possible; especially our volunteers. Thank you so much to the Felsted students and staff for their hard work, talent, and lovely food on this day!

Opportunity - Volunteer Drivers

Newham District Foodbank are looking for drivers available once a month or more, so that we can pick up food donations. You would need your own car to take part, but we will pay expenses.

We'd really appreciate your help making this a reality!

Contact us at admin@ascensioncommunitytrust.org to volunteer.

 Thank you for reading the June edition of ACT News!