Gemma (CCH Team Leader) started hearing the same worries more and more: tenants had less money for food and were struggling with bills. Her colleagues wanted to help, but it wasn’t always clear what to suggest – especially when time was tight.
So Gemma got in touch with Salford Foodbank and arranged a visit for herself and a few colleagues. They met Mervyn, whose enthusiasm was infectious, and learned how the foodbank supports people with real care, dignity, and warmth. His aim was simple: give our team the confidence (and the facts) to guide tenants and answer questions properly.
The sessions were a real eye-opener. Colleagues walked through the full process, met the volunteers, and saw first-hand the difference the foodbank makes every day. Mervyn also offered Hub Team Leaders the ability to issue emergency foodbank vouchers directly – meaning tenants can get help faster, when they need it most.
The impact has been huge. Jade, a CCH officer, said: “Just being able to provide that support at 5.45pm on a Friday, knowing they will be able to eat this weekend, helps me sleep a little better knowing they aren’t going without.”
Over the last 12 months, the team has talked about the foodbank more often—and with much more confidence. The visit built our knowledge, strengthened our compassion, and made it easier to signpost support quickly. We still take colleagues along to visit so that learning keeps spreading.
Most importantly, it’s brought a more joined-up approach to tenant wellbeing—and that’s definitely worth celebrating.
