About
Real Stories
From Receiving Help to Giving Hope
When life takes an unexpected turn
Foodbank:
Can you tell me a little about your life when you first came to St Neots Foodbank?
Susan:
I was in my early twenties, around 22, when I found myself in a very difficult situation. I had a young baby, I wasn’t working, and I didn’t really have anyone I could turn to.
I had moved to the area and didn’t know many people. My family wasn’t nearby, and I felt quite isolated. It was a frightening time because I didn’t know how things were going to work out.
I was struggling financially and emotionally. I was trying to look after my baby while worrying about how I was going to manage.
Foodbank:
How did you find out about the foodbank?
Susan:
I think it was through my doctor. At that time, I didn’t really know what a foodbank was or what kind of help was available.
I was quite nervous about going.
I think many people imagine that a foodbank is simply somewhere you go to collect a bag of food. But when I arrived, I discovered it was so much more than that.
Foodbank:
Do you remember your first visit?
Susan:
Yes, I remember how welcoming everyone was. There were friendly faces, people smiling, offering a cup of tea or coffee and taking the time to talk to me. Nobody judged me. Nobody made me feel ashamed of my situation. What made the biggest difference was that people genuinely cared.
That was incredibly important because asking for help isn’t always easy. When you’re already struggling, the last thing you need is to feel that somebody is looking down on you.
More than just food
Foodbank:
What did the foodbank mean to you during that time?
Susan:
It was one of the first places where I felt I wasn’t completely alone.
Of course, the food was important. When you’re worried about feeding yourself and your child, receiving that practical help takes away some of the immediate pressure.
But it was also about having somewhere to go where people would listen.
You could sit down, have a conversation and feel like a person again, rather than just somebody who was struggling. Even when the volunteers were very busy, they made time for you. Sometimes it was only a few minutes, but those few minutes were precious.
Foodbank:
Did you use the foodbank for a long time?
Susan:
No, I think I only needed to use it twice.
Eventually, things started to improve. I found work and slowly began rebuilding my life. Having a job gave me more independence and stability. Things gradually fell into place, and I didn’t need to rely on the foodbank anymore.
But I never forgot the kindness I received.
Foodbank:
Do you think the foodbank helped you become independent again?
Susan:
Yes, absolutely. I think that’s something people sometimes misunderstand about foodbanks.
It’s not about making people dependent on help. It’s about supporting them through a difficult period so they can get back on their feet.
Sometimes people just need a little help to get through a crisis. Once they’re in a better financial position, they can start making their own choices again. And that independence is so important.
Understanding the people behind the crisis
Foodbank:
Having experienced hardship yourself, do you think that helps you understand the people who come to the foodbank today?
Susan:
Yes, definitely.
I know what it feels like to be worried, to feel alone and to have no idea what to do next.
When somebody comes through the door, you don’t necessarily know what they’ve been through.
They might have lost their job, experienced a relationship breakdown, become ill or suddenly found themselves facing financial difficulties.
Life can change very quickly. Nobody knows when they might need help.
That’s why I think it’s so important not to judge people.
Foodbank:
Do you think people sometimes have misconceptions about those who use foodbanks?
Susan:
Yes, I do. People sometimes assume that those who need help have made bad decisions or haven’t tried hard enough. But that isn’t necessarily true. There are so many different reasons why somebody might find themselves in a difficult situation. You can’t know somebody’s story just by looking at them. And I think we need to remember that anyone could find themselves needing support.
Helping people find a way forward
Foodbank:
The foodbank offers more than emergency food, doesn’t it?
Susan:
Yes, absolutely. Food is often the reason somebody first comes to us, but there may be other problems behind their situation. They might be struggling with debt, housing, benefits, family difficulties or their mental health. We can’t solve every problem ourselves, but we can listen and help people find the right support. We work with other organisations and services, including Citizens Advice, so that people can get specialist advice when they need it. Sometimes the most important thing is knowing where to direct somebody.
Foodbank:
So listening is a really important part of your work?
Susan:
Yes, listening is essential. You have to listen carefully to understand what somebody actually needs. Sometimes people don’t know what help is available, and sometimes they don’t even realise that they can ask for it. If we take the time to listen, we can often point them in the right direction. And even if we can’t solve everything immediately, we can make them feel supported.
Foodbank:
What do you hope people feel when they visit the foodbank?
Susan:
I hope they feel welcome, respected and understood. We want people to know that they can come here without being judged.
We don’t want to make assumptions about their circumstances. We want to treat everyone with kindness and dignity. Sometimes we might not be able to change someone’s situation straight away, but if we can make them smile, give them a little hope or help them feel more positive about themselves, then we’ve already made a difference.
Passing on the values to the next generation
Foodbank:
Has your experience influenced the way you bring up your daughter?
Susan:
Yes, very much.
My daughter has a very different life from the one I had when I was younger. She’s fortunate to have the things she has, and I want her to understand that not everybody lives in the same circumstances. Like many young people, she can sometimes take things for granted. But I think that’s part of growing up. As she gets older, I hope she’ll understand more about the world and the challenges other people face.
I’d like to bring her to the foodbank one day so she can see what we do and understand why it’s important. I want her to appreciate what she has, but also to develop compassion for people who are less fortunate.
Foodbank:
What do you think is the most important lesson you’d like her to learn?
Susan:
That we shouldn’t judge people by their circumstances. Everybody has their own story, and we don’t always know what somebody else is going through. It’s important to be grateful for what you have, but also to be kind and willing to help others.
Why the foodbank matters
Foodbank:
What would you say to somebody who feels embarrassed about coming to a foodbank?
Susan:
I’d tell them not to be afraid. There’s no shame in asking for help. We’re here to support people, not to judge them. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we planned, and we all need help at different points in our lives. When you come here, you’ll find people who care about you and want to help you move forward.
Foodbank:
What does working at the foodbank mean to you personally?
Susan:
It means a lot because I know how much that support can matter.
I’ve been on the other side. I know what it’s like to walk through the door needing help.
Now, being able to offer that kindness to somebody else is very special. I feel connected to my community, and I feel that I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s not just about giving people food. It’s about giving them hope and reminding them that they’re not alone.
Foodbank:
And finally, what do you think is the most important message of the foodbank?
Susan:
Nobody should have to go hungry. Everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, whatever their circumstances.
We believe that hunger and hardship shouldn’t be accepted as normal, especially in a country like ours.
But until things change, we’re here to help. And if we can make somebody’s day a little better, give them some reassurance or help them find a way forward, then that really matters. Because everybody deserves a chance to have a good life.