Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey visited West Belfast Foodbank and Team Haven to find out about the work that both organisations do to support some of the most vulnerable people in Belfast.
West Belfast Foodbank provides support to people experiencing food poverty. While it normally holds collection sessions for food parcels at its premises in Conway Mill, during the Covid-19 pandemic its team of volunteers has been delivering parcels to the homes of individuals and families most in need.
Team Haven on Shankill Road provides help and support to vulnerable people, the homeless and anyone experiencing food poverty. Its team of volunteers serve hot meals and drinks to the homeless, as well as providing emergency food parcels from their foodbank on Shankill Road.
Alderman McCoubrey said: “I was greatly honoured to meet some of the staff and volunteers at West Belfast Foodbank and Team Haven today and find out more about the work that they do. 
“Unfortunately food poverty and homelessness have both increased in recent years and these organisations provide invaluable support for people who find themselves in difficulty. Both organisations have had to adapt during the Covid-19 pandemic, but I know that their support has been needed more than ever. 
“If there is one positive to come from this terrible situation we find ourselves in, it is the community spirit that has come to the fore in recent months with people volunteering and looking out for the vulnerable. There are likely to be challenging times ahead unfortunately, so I hope that this spirit of community and generosity is something that remains once we come out the other side of this very difficult time. 
“On behalf of everyone in Belfast, I would like to say a huge thank you for the hard work and selflessness shown by everyone who volunteers their time or contributes to West Belfast Foodbank, Team Haven and the other support organisations like them in the city.”