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March 2016
Foodbank helps those affected by closure By Olivia Taylor
A HOLMFIRTH foodbank has helped feed struggling families who were left in dire straits after the shock job losses announced at a local mill. Administrators were called into Westwood Yarns in a move that saw almost 100 unexpected job losses and the foodbank stepped in to provide needy families with the essentials. Secretary Mel Armstrong said: “People were made redundant before Christmas. They were told there was no work for them, they had no income
what so ever. “These people thought they had a bright future, then they literally had nothing. They were claiming from the government but it was weeks before they got money.” The food bank - which opened in 2012 - has seen demand for its services is increasing every year. It works by distributing food donated by locals, volunteers then pack up food parcels to give to their less fortunate neighbours. One food bag will provide enough food to feed a family of four for two days, including long life milk, fruit juice, tinned meat,
soup, pies, cereal, tea, coffee and biscuits. Mel added: “In our first year we handed out 100 food bags, now we’re giving out over 300 a year. We get people of all ages and backgrounds coming in to see us. “We get people who are completely stuck, they might be in between benefits, they might be jobless, their business might have failed. “The Holme Valley does look like a really affluent area but even here people unfortunately fall on hard times. “Some people criticise us, they say we could be
giving to people that are on drugs or people that are scrounging, but does it really matter? If we give nine out of 10 food bags to deserving people then who cares?” Bags can be collected from Holmfirth Methodist Church between 12.15 and 1.45 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from Holmfirth Library on Saturday between 10 and 12. You will need a voucher to give in exchange for a bag. These are available at Elmwood and Oaklands Health Centres, Holmfirth, Honley Practice and all schools in the Holme Valley.
A 56-year-old Honley woman is making a living providing unique massage technique Bowen to both humans and their canine companions. Lorna McLean has swapped her career in corporate IT to improve the well being of the region’s dogs. See page 3 for more.
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