The two-child limit affects 70,000 children in the North East and 1,000 in #Northumberland Seeing it lifted is a relief and a step we support. We hope future policy continues to reflect real needs on the ground, and we’ll keep working to ensure help is there when people need it. #EndChildPoverty

Our Christmas Food and Gift Drive is officially under way 🎄 Huge thanks to the team at Waitrose #Hexham for helping kick things off last week, and to everyone who donated #festive food treats and small gifts for adults to the collection point. We’re collecting donations until Friday 12 December.

Harvest has always been about #community, sharing what we have so no one goes without. This year, more people are reaching out to us for the first time, so the donations we’ve received will really help us support them through the winter months. #FoodBankFortnight @bankthefood.bsky.social

We’re looking for a #FinanceOfficer who wants their work to matter. A part-time role, based in #Hexham where professional skills meet purpose: practical, people-focused and rooted in community. Applications close Sunday 23 November: 🔗 www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/join-us.html

Debt, food insecurity, housing instability: these aren’t isolated problems. They’re symptoms of the same reality — incomes that no longer cover the basics. @HexhamCourant highlights this crisis locally, and we appreciate being able to share our perspective. www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/2541536...

We need to change the conversation around #foodinsecurity because it really can happen to anyone. Our #trustee Kate never thought it would happen to her, until a sudden crisis left her without a home. Read her story 👉 www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/news/i-never... #FoodBanks #Stigma

When we asked people to share their experiences, they didn’t hold back. Some were in work. Some weren’t. Some had kids, others lived alone. But one thing came through in every response: life is hard in ways that often go unseen. Read the report: www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/news/poverty...

The #twochildlimit doesn’t reflect real life. It doesn’t account for rising prices, reduced income during maternity leave, or the cost of caring for young children. It doesn’t care whether a family is working, budgeting, or doing everything right. Sadly, Paula's story isn't rare. #EndChildPoverty

Food support is just part of the story. In 6 months, our outreach pilot has supported 28 people — including Veronica, who was isolated, grieving & unable to heat her home.

HELPLINE CLOSED – Friday 9th May! Our Helpline will be closed tomorrow, while our team takes part in essential training. If you need to get in touch while we’re closed, email us, and one of our team will contact you once we reopen on Monday. 📩 [email protected]

When people come together — not for applause, but because something has to be done — you get something powerful. We see this time and time again. No grand gestures. Just people showing up. Doing what they can. Often quietly. Always meaningfully. www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/2513178...

Our Outreach Pilot proves what should be obvious — people in #poverty need support shaped with them. Not forms & thresholds, but trust, time & listening — and it’s this approach that's helping people move forward. A #foodbank shouldn’t be leading the way but here we are. youtu.be/Nr5_BmtYVUg?...

Having a job should mean stability, but it doesn't always equate to financial security. Last year, 14% of the calls we received were from people in low-paid work, and 45% came from individuals in treatment for their mental health, many of whom rely on PIP and Universal Credit to get by.

Almost 90% of the people who contact us are on Universal Credit and struggling — deciding which bills to pay and unable to afford the basics. The reality of living on Universal Credit is a constant challenge for many, and it's something we're seeing more and more.

No community thrives when children go hungry. That’s why partnerships like #MuroMondays Breakfast Club matter. Read more about how #MuroLounge #Hexham are supporting the food bank and the wider community. www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/news/muro-mo... #CommunitySupport #BreakfastForAll

36 places where kids can eat free or for £1 in February half term

Struggling to afford food is rarely just about food, it’s part of a bigger picture. #Rent #bills #debt - when there’s nothing left at the end of the month, the choices can feel impossible. 📍 Need help? We’re here. Monday to Friday, 10 am - 2 pm #DebtAwareness #FoodBank #StopLoanSkarks

We see the reality of this every day. More families struggling to afford the basics despite working hard. Addressing poverty isn’t separate from growth—it IS growth. No community thrives when children go hungry. www.theguardian.com/business/202... #FoodPoverty #Northumberland @theguardian.com

What happens when you don’t speak up — even when you know you should? Well, it’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves a lot lately. Staying visible everywhere is easy. Choosing where and how we show up — that takes intention #livingourvalues ➡️ www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/news/living-...

Struggling to pay the bills? Don’t let putting food on the table be one of your worries. We’re here to help ease the pressure with #foodsupport across West #Northumberland. 📞 Call us Monday to Friday, 10 am–2 pm: 01434 700068 📍 Find out more: www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/get-help

If you've found us here, here's what you need to know: 📞 Need support? Call our helpline on 01434700068 (Mon-Fri, 10 AM - 2 PM) 💙 Want to help? Find your nearest donation point here: www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/donations.html Follow us on #facebook #instagram and #linkedin for updates.