Page 15 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • March 2010 15

Foodbank assistant knows what it’s like at the bottom What would you do
A year ago Craig Evenden was homeless and relying on Swindon Foodbank for meals – now he’s Food- in an emergency?
bank’s assistant project manager, providing practical and emotional support to those in the same situation
he was in. Here’s the chance to find out
while supporting the Swindon
Craig was 26 when he help in these difficult economic Therapy Centre For Multiple
returned to Swindon to find times, “we’re here to help, that’s Sclerosis and Swindon Youth
there wasn’t enough room our job and we enjoy it, don’t be Mentoring Project (SMASH).
at his mother’s house. He embarrassed about coming to us.”
sofa-surfed at friends and Richard added, “I’m thrilled for Andy Memory from North Swindon
even slept on the streets a Craig, he’s really turned his life has set up Meditec Training and
few times, then he lost his around and it’s great for Foodbank will be running free Basic Life Sup-
job. He got depressed, and, that somebody who has used port Awareness Training sessions
although on benefits, some- the charity can now be a part of on Saturday 13 March at Eldene
times his payments didn’t it – his experience and empathy Community Centre, Eldene.
come through in time. for those who come and see us is Each 90 minute session with no
When he was told about invaluable.” more than 24 people in each will
Christian-based Foodbank cover signs, symptoms and what
Craig and Richard in the Foodbank www.swindonfoodbank.co.uk
it was literally a godsend. to do with an adult or child who is
The charity, based in West Swin- I enjoy working here every single Foodbank Quiz Night choking or going into cardiac arrest,
don, provides emergency food to day. I was really depressed when I Friday 17 March, 7.30pm including calling for expert help.
those in desperate need and has wasn’t working, this has given me Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Four volunteer CRB cleared in-
given food to around 8,000 families a new life, I feel like a new person.” Westlea structors will deliver the course;
in the four years it’s been running. Craig, who hopes the job will one Teams of 4 to 6, tickets three are registered nurses.
Craig said, “although I felt rub- day become full time, offers a word £2.50 per person. Call Richard
bish because it had come to this, I to those who may need Foodbank’s Belsham on 07932 108732 Participants will receive a Basic
Life Support charity awareness
thought there’s no point in being day certificate.
proud, I needed to eat. Foodbank Go yellow in March
seemed too good to be true.” A donation of £5 to £10 is re-
He used Foodbank several times Marie Curie Cancer Care is asking people to back its big springtime quested. Commercially such life
and after a few months – during appeal by wearing a daffodil pin. skills course would cost £45.
which he found a council flat – he Every donation will help more Marie Curie Nurses provide free care to Sessions start at 10am, 12noon,
was successfully interviewed for terminally ill people in their own homes or one of its hospices. 2pm and 4pm.
the part time role. Daffodil pins can be picked up from local stores, schools and Marie To book one of the 96 places
“I was absolutely delighted that Curie Shops. Volunteer street collectors and people to organise their
from being on the receiving end I own fundraising event are needed. on offer, mail: andy.memory@
meditec-training.co.uk
was helping others, and able to give For details call the Daffodil Hotline on 0845 601 3107 www.meditec-training.co.uk
back to people in a similar situation. www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

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