A pensioner who spent a winter without heating said he was forced to make difficult choices.
Many families across Merseyside, and the UK, are finding themselves having to choose between heating or eating as bills soar. With rising energy costs and food prices, more households than ever are struggling.
The ECHO has reported on the cost of living crisis and its profound impact on the people of Merseyside. Over the course of 2022, the ECHO spoke to a wide array of people, households, charities and businesses about how they are coping with the rising cost of living.
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Kevin Waterworth, 66, of Page Moss, is just one person seeing themselves falling through the cracks. After being in a relationship for over 30 years, Kevin found himself in times of hardship when that relationship broke down and he moved into his own flat five years ago.
Being unemployed, he was bringing in just £65 a week, half of which was used to pay his bills. He said: "It was a terrible struggle. One winter I went without the heating because I didn't have any gas. You heat or you eat, so I spent more time under my quilt before I got help from family and friends."
But after seeing his friend in a queue one day, he soon found out about the Food Club, a food bank and affordable food shop in Stockbridge Village, and sought support. Now, on a Tuesday and Thursday, he is able to buy a number of items for a set price and also gets help for any housing problems as well as advice on making food last longer.
He told the ECHO: "There's this stigma around foodbanks but it's a humbling experience. I used to be embarrassed, I didn't want anyone to see me in the queue but you've got to see the bigger picture and get over that.
"I'd say to people just don't be embarrassed, we are all in the same boat and everyone is struggling. Food prices have gone through the roof, you'd got to help yourself and these people are so kind and full of empathy.
"I was in a dark place mentally for a while but going there, I've made new friends and I'm 100% better than what I used to be. For me, it's a social thing, we all queue up outside, everyone gets there half an hour early and we've all made some good friends.
"Most of us are single and pensioners and live alone, it gets lonely but twice a week we all chat outside and moan about the cost of living. It's the bigger picture, not just about the food. The volunteers are absolutely brilliant."
The ongoing cost of living crisis is bringing more and more people through the doors of the Food Club, as well as other food banks across the UK. Since September 2022, sign-ups for the Food Club and referrals to the food bank have increased by 60%.
In the last year, the project has helped around 8,000 local people and families in need. The Food Club, run by The Big Help project, makes healthy food parcels worth around £15 available for just £3.50, helping anyone who is struggling to make ends meet get nutritious food. People can pick up to 10 items of their choice from a variety of groceries.
Local volunteers and staff from landlord ForHousing have been supporting The Big Help Project to run the service since October 2020. Kevin added: "It's surprising how many people go there. I go on a Tuesday and Wednesday when we pay for food but on other days some people haven't even got £3.50 in their pockets, I feel for them. A lot goes on that you don't see.
"The companies and shops that donate stuff to the hub, may you continue what you're doing because if it were to close, it would be a big loss to the community. It saves lives.
"It's the oldest story in the book, the poor get poorer and rich get richer and a lot more people are getting support. There only used to be a few but every week there's at least 20 people in the queue when I'm there. Don't be scared to ask for help, don't be embarrassed. You're not alone."
The Food Club is open every Tuesday from 12pm to 2pm and every Thursday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the Community Hub, The Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 1NR. If you would like to volunteer or find out more, visit www.bighelpproject.com
Steph Tomlinson, the lead volunteer at the Big Help Project Food Club in Stockbridge Village, said: "People in our community are really struggling, which is why the Food Club is so important. It’s helping put food on the table in these really tough times.
"We offer 10 items for £3.50, but if someone just doesn’t have the money to pay, then we’ll make sure they get a free food shop and try to link them up with other support."
Tenants with other worries such as debt, addiction or mental or physical health issues can also use the community hub as a stepping stone to other kinds of help. Customers have been successfully referred to other support initiatives run by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council and ForHousing, such as their Tenancy Support Scheme (TESS), all thanks to the Food Club.
Steph Tomlinson and the volunteers at the Community Hub were recently nominated by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council and received an award from the High Sherriff of Merseyside for their dedication and services to the community.
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