AN AWARENESS campaign has been launched in Christchurch to convince people struggling with money to seek help rather than go hungry.

With food banks across Bournemouth inundated with requests for help, along with a new service opening in Kinson this month, the Christchurch branch wants local people to know it is open for business as many struggle to make ends meet in the current financial climate.

The service at St Joseph’s Church office in Purewell was launched two months ago and is run by the Christchurch Fellowship of Churches in partnership with Faithworks Wessex.

Those finding things tough can be referred to the Food Bank, who will donate three days worth of food, free of charge – enough for the household they live.

Nick Coghlan, secretary of Christchurch Food Bank said: “We’re here to help people who suddenly find themselves without a job or without money to be able to feed their family.

“Giving them a three-day supply of food usually allows enough time for them to be referred to the right people who can help them start to get their life sorted.”

Referrals to the Food Bank can be made from a wide range of organisations including the local council, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern, health visitors, school pastoral workers and social services.

Mr Coghlan added: “While donations to the Food Bank are healthy, with local churches, schools, community groups, businesses and individuals coming forward with items of food, more is always needed and donations of cash are very welcome for those items such as baby food and nappies which we can’t really keep in stock.”

The Rev Sandra Prudom, chair of the CFB steering group, said: “We are aware that information about the Food Bank has not reached all of those we want to help as the initial take-up has been slower than expected.

“We want particularly to ensure, in the run up to Christmas, that people will have the essential supplies they need.”

The Food Bank is staffed entirely by volunteers from across the 16 churches in the town and opens for donations on Monday morning.

Contact them on 01202 48742 or email <&bh"mailto:christchurchfoodbank@gmail.com">christchurchfoodbank @gmail.com<&eh>.