Jane’s story
“The money I have saved by going to The Bridge has meant that I have been able to afford things like my daughter’s residential trip and my son’s basketball lessons. It’s also bridged the gap for me, learning to budget better with my new income”
Jane separated from her husband last year following an incident of domestic abuse. She is a single mother to two children, with one child having additional needs. Although she would like to work full-time, unfortunately she is unable to due to her health conditions and caring responsibilities.
“Before, I would have my husband’s salary as well, so having that removed meant that there was a big discrepancy between what I could afford previously and now. I used PIP payments on food even though it’s not supposed to be used for food”
Jane had initial reservations about attending a foodbank: “over the past year, there have been times where I literally had no money for food, but there was this sense of pride that meant I just couldn’t bring myself to access the actual foodbank. I think part of that is my job - I’m a registered probation officer, so I’ve always been the person that gives out the referrals for the foodbanks”.
She found that The Bridge helped through a difficult transition in her life and provided her with the tools to move forwards with more confidence. Jane was keen that the Walton Charity team know what a positive experience The Bridge has been to her and her family. “I just really want to say thank you to all the staff who give up their time to make it possible, because they’re just all so lovely”.
The Bridge is a community hub supporting working families across Elmbridge who are struggling with the rising cost of living. Downstairs, there is a shop-without-a-till where families can pick-up fresh, frozen and cupboard food, freeing up money for other family essentials like utility bills and school uniform. In the quiet space upstairs, families can also access specialist support and advice from Citizens Advice, Elmbridge Family Centre, Surrey Lifelong Learning and other local organisations.
Unlike our other Walton & Hersham foodbank distribution centres who provide emergency food for anyone in crisis, The Bridge offers longer-term support for working families who are struggling with rising living costs but have limited support available to them.
With your help, we’re expanding The Bridge into a larger community hub that gives hope, dignity and support in a place where parents can:
🍽 Shop affordably at our new community pantry*
💵 Join courses in budgeting, cooking, and wellbeing
🗨 Get advice from someone who really cares
🍵 Sit down and have a chat with one of our amazing volunteers
*A membership-based pantry is a community resource where members pay a small membership fee in exchange for regular access to affordable, nutritious groceries and household essentials.
And here’s the best part: your donation will be doubled, thanks to Walton Charity’s matched funding*. Every pound you give today will go twice as far to support local families.