It was a busy day Last Saturday in Newton Aycliffe for those who seek to help those who are, for one reason or another, in need. Kath Pinner and Alison Firby who run the Food Bank from St Clare’s Church held a Foodbank collection at Tesco. Kath said “Food-banks work with doctors, health visitors, schools and social workers, providing far more than food. They offer a listening ear and a welcoming cuppa, signposting people to other areas of help” This is why in 2013 Newton News Editor Syd Howarth, had the idea of setting up a ‘one stop shop’ for people in crisis. Now three and a half years later, GACAP, (Great Aycliffe Community Aid Partnership) is well established referring people and organisations to thirty plus organisation, both voluntary and statutory groups in the Great Aycliffe area.
They meet together monthly to establish relationships and learn more about what other partners do to support those in need. The partners co-operate in bringing help quickly to people at vulnerable times in their lives. Joan Mitchie who has been Secretary of GACAP since inception and her husband Ron, helped the Foodbank early in the morning before heading off to the Thames Centre to show support for another partner Sheena Stephenson of Baby Basics who had a fundraising stall.
Ron Mitchie, GACAP Chairman said “We were impressed with the work of Kath and Alison, Tesco and all the volunteer helpers. Everyone had smiles on their faces helping this worthy cause, and customers were so generous in their giving as always. I was delighted to see so many partners of GACAP supporting the work – people from Rotary, NE First Credit Union, Harvest Church, the Foodbank and Tesco who have established relationships via GACAP”. Joan and Ron completed their busy day attending the Mayor’s At Home on Saturday afternoon.
