Foodbank Partners’ Event: Wetherby

Working in partnership with other organisations is incredibly important for our Foodbank which is why we organised two local networking events taking place in Wetherby and in Tadcaster.

The circumstances that bring a person to look for help with affording food are often complex and multi-layered. Building stronger relationships with partner organisations helps all of us deliver a better, more integrated service while expanding our understanding of the problems facing people in our community.

Our Wetherby Partners’ Event took place on 17th June at Wetherby Town Hall and it was a real pleasure to bring so many local organisations together for what proved to be an extremely positive and energising afternoon of collaboration. Building on conversations already taking place across our network, the event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, share insight and continue developing a more connected approach to supporting people in our communities.

During the event, we heard first-hand from someone with lived experience of accessing local support from our Community Cafe and Advice Hub in Wetherby. Having recently moved to Wetherby from Leeds, this person shared how they first found out about the Community Café through word of mouth and social media before eventually coming along one Friday morning.

The Community Café was described as a welcoming and safe space, with the opportunity to come in for a cup of tea and connect with others being a key positive experience. The crèche area was highlighted as particularly valuable in reducing barriers to attendance.

Through the support network of regular café partners, this person was able to access help with:
• Employment support
• Childcare
• Finding a school place for their teenager
• Wider support through organisations including Smart Works, Money Buddies (now changed to NY Citizens Advice and Law) and EPOSS (Elmet Partnership of Schools and Services).

Their experience highlighted the importance of having accessible community spaces where people can build trust and be connected to the right support at the right time.

Introductions from organisations were presented, before an open discussion on the key barriers faced by people in our community when trying to access support for example:

Stigma: People can experience stigma or fear of judgement when seeking support. Financial hardship can be particularly challenging in areas perceived as more affluent.

Access: Local services can sometimes be harder to access due to reduced visibility of available support, services being located outside the immediate area, limited public transport options for those without access to a car.

Older Residents: Discussion highlighted significant mental health challenges experienced by older residents, including loneliness and isolation.

Literacy/Digital Literacy: with much help available only online, the important role that literacy and digital literacy can play in improving life opportunities and accessing support was discussed.

A strong theme throughout the afternoon was that people accessing Foodbank support are usually experiencing multiple challenges at the same time, thus requiring support from a range of organisations.

The afternoon provided a useful opportunity to learn about the changing or expanding services offered by different organisations. An example of this came from Living Potential whose offer now includes a men’s mental health group, a grief garden and early onset dementia support, alongside their existing services supporting adults with learning difficulties, children with additional needs and neurodivergence.

The idea of creating a regularly-updated local directory of services was discussed and received very positively as a tool for organisations and volunteers to use when signposting people to appropriate support.

The feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive, with many recognising the value of taking time together to reflect on shared challenges and explore practical ways we can work more closely in future. The openness, engagement and willingness to collaborate throughout the afternoon were particularly appreciated and reflect the strength of partnership working across our area. The event reinforced the value of bringing local organisations together and the benefits of stronger partnership working.

We’d like to thank everyone who attended both this and the Tadcaster Partners’ Event for being so generous with their time, openness and commitment to working together. The event demonstrated the strength of our local network and the positive impact we can have by connecting services and supporting each other.

Organisations represented at the event included: Citizens Advice and Law, IDAS North Yorkshire, Wetherby Library, HTF Legal, ACTS 435, Living Potential, Linking Leeds, Learning Disability Network, Leeds Sexual Health VCSE Network, Leeds Outer North East Housing Office, Leeds City Council, Otley Methodist Church, Warren Coates – Wetherby Town Councillor (West Ward), Penny Stables – Green Party Councillor, MIND Charity, Leeds Tennant Engagement Officer, Churches Together, West Yorkshire Police, Quickline, Wetherby and District Foodbank.

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