A NEW project offering food aid to people "struggling to make ends meet" in Canford Heath is set to open next month.

The Canford Heath Hub, based at the Coffee House, Adastral Square, Canford Heath, Poole, will start by offering weekly foodbank sessions.

It is a Canford Heath Baptist Church initiative, but all churches in the district are involved.

Canford Heath Baptist Church Minister Rev Nigel Ford said: "We are aware of a steady increase in those struggling to make ends meet.

"Wage increases are not keeping pace with cost of living rises. The increase in private rents is a particular problem. "The family budget is under huge pressure and one unexpected call on finances can lead to a crisis with no funds left over for food."

The project, which will be run on a charitable basis in conjunction with Faithworks Wessex, welcomes those of all faiths and none.

Leaders will be unpaid, with main funding coming through Canford Heath Baptist Church and other charitable donations.

A project spokesman said: "It is hoped that in due time the project will expand to offer debt counselling, and to meet other needs within the Canford Heath community.

"Research is currently being undertaken to establish the felt needs locally."

The hub will launch on October 16, at 2pm, with weekly foodbank sessions taking place on Monday afternoons, 2-4pm.

Donations of dry and tinned food can also be made to the hub from 1-4pm on Mondays.