Inspire has expanded our Patrick foodbank service to our Ipswich location.
Patrick is unique in the sense that is doesn’t just offer emergency food, but also gives access to clothes for those who may not have the access or finance for something to wear for an interview. There is also personal hygiene products, washing powder and sanitary products thanks to our collaboration with Hey Girls. A huge thank you to Suffolk Giving LDH (La Doria) for providing us with the funding to make Patrick Possible.
The point of Patrick is to remove stigma for those aged 16-25 who may need access to food. People who want to use the service simply need to find a member of staff and say they have “an appointment with Patrick”.
From there, they’ll be taken into a room and provided with what they need.
Starting in Lowestoft, Patrick was feeding between eight and 10 young people a day, showing how needed the provision was.
21-year-old Brooklyn recently used the service in Lowestoft, saying: “Being able to use Patrick, and being able to grab food to live has been amazing. It’s actually been a lifesaver.
“Before, I had nothing in my fridge, or freezer or cupboards. I had nothing to cook with. My cupboards were bare, being able to put things in my cupboards and be able to open them and go ‘oh I can cook something’, it’s been perfect.”
Now Patrick being expanded to Lindbergh Road, Inspire are able to support even more young people struggling with food insecurity in the local community.
Post 16 Project manager Jackie Partridge said: “We’ve seen first hand how having a resource like Patrick helps young people who need it, and how important it is for us to expand this service.
“Patrick goes beyond just giving out food. It allows young people the support and resources they need to feel confident.”
Patrick is available to 16-25 year olds in the local area that Inspire work with. To use Patrick, anyone between 16-25 just need to quote ‘Patrick’ at our reception and the staff will help. Due to funding, we will need each individual to give us basic details so we can record how successful Patrick has been to retain future funding.
