I’ve been spending time at the foodbanks in Norwood and Brixton since 2015, getting to know clients, staff and volunteers. Earlier this year, I worked with my friends at Hilow Films to produce a short documentary, focusing on the people they help and the reasons that bring them there. We filmed at West Norwood and recorded … Continue reading The Foodbank: A short film and a photo story
Why people use Foodbanks: An interview with Jon Taylor
Jon Taylor has run the Brixton branch of the Norwood and Brixton Foodbank on Ferndale Road since 2011, and now manages a debt centre for Christians Against Poverty as well. In that time he’s seen demand grow fivefold – from providing food for 1,287 people in 2011-12 to 6,536 in 2015-16. He talked me through … Continue reading Why people use Foodbanks: An interview with Jon Taylor
How Government cuts are pushing people into food poverty, debt and mental illness
Sue Noel has been helping struggling Lambeth residents at Brixton Advice Centre (BAC) since 2009. Unlike some of BAC’s specialists, she advises on all the issues the centre covers – from benefits and debt to housing, disrepair and homelessness. It means she has a unique overview of why people come to BAC – and how … Continue reading How Government cuts are pushing people into food poverty, debt and mental illness
The emergence of foodbanks in Lambeth: Elizabeth Maytom interview
Elizabeth Maytom opened the foodbank in South Lambeth in 2011. An active member of the congregation at St Luke’s, she’d started researching child poverty in South London earlier that year, hoping to set up a project with the church to help. Initially she was sceptical of foodbanks. “I just didn’t believe they were really needed,” … Continue reading The emergence of foodbanks in Lambeth: Elizabeth Maytom interview