A SINGLE mum who moved to the dale last year is relishing working with Barnard Castle-based TCR Hub.
Katie Byram lives in Woodland with her six-year-old daughter Tilly and visited the community charity to get to know people. Four months on she is the venue’s food provision co-ordinator, helping to support individuals and families in need.
She said: “The Hub’s been a great place for me. I moved from Yorkshire in September and didn’t know anyone. This was the first place I came to with my daughter and everyone was so friendly.
“I started off coming to events with my daughter and then volunteering.”
The 35-year-old, who also works as a freelance wedding photographer, took over the role from Polly Morris in December.
She added: “I love my job because it is different and I love helping people so it’s a really rewarding job.
“There has been confusion about the services we offer at the Hub and I’m keen to signpost this more clearly.
“Our food pantry service is for those struggling to afford food and is open Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 10.30am.”
The service, which has no set criteria and does not require a referral to use, provides access to essential foods and toiletries for a suggested donation.
The community fridge, which is located in the Hub’s atrium, is a food waste project available to everyone, not just those who are struggling. Anyone using the community fridge is asked to make a cash donation or scan the Hub’s QR code.
Ms Byram said: “This service helps us save supermarket food from going to landfill and it comes from supermarkets such as Lidl, Tesco, Co-Op and Fair Share. Volunteers pick up the items and users are invited to make donations for the items, which vary day to day.
“The money we get from the community fridge goes to help the food pantry and pay for expenses.”
The care package scheme, which kicked off three years ago during lockdown, is still in place delivering support to dale people in need.
She added: “We’re still doing care packages and delivering to those who can’t get to the Hub themselves.
“Although we do get donations from the supermarkets, we are running short for the food pantry, especially cereals, sanitary products and coffee, but we always need tinned and dried foods.
“We’re hoping to encourage more local businesses to have a donation box in their premises as a one off or on a regular basis.”
Anyone wishing to host a donation box or donate items can email katieb.tcrhub@gmail.com.
