Patrick is a foodbank with a twist.
Supporting people aged 16-25, it provides not only emergency food, but also personal hygiene products and interview clothing for those who may not have the access or finance for something to wear for an interview.
Patrick was created to be different to other foodbanks. Staff at Colville House noticed young people going hungry as they couldn’t afford to eat, but due to sensory needs felt they couldn’t access other support.
So following a donation from Birds Eye, Patrick was able to get off the ground. Young people are able to grab whatever they will use, as opposed to being given a one-size-fits-all parcel.
Aiming to reduce the stigma of using a foodbank, people 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.
Patrick feeds on average between 8 and 10 young people a day, many would go without eating if it wasn’t for the resource. With Patrick, no one gets turned away.
Many young people who have used the service have said “it takes the anxiety away of knowing I can always get food”.
Patrick is now run on donations, along with fundraising from the Team Programme and NCS students.
Create a package for Patrick
As Patrick is run solely on donations, any support is vital.
If you wanted to create a package for Patrick and create a lifeline for a young person, here’s what to consider donating.
Tinned fruit, vegetables and meat
Frozen ready meals
Cereal
Noodles
Pasta
Soup
Jars of sauce
Toiletries such as soap, shampoo and deodorant
Washing up liquid
Washing powder
Please bring all donations to Colville House, Lowestoft.
