We sat down in anticipation of a Clare Baptist Church Harvest Supper spread and we were not disappointed! Despite the usual worries of “will there be enough” everyone left having been well fed. We spent an evening of sharing with friends in a relaxed atmosphere, thankful for God’s gifts to us throughout the year, to meet both our physical and spiritual needs.

Some of the tinned goods, cereals and other non-perishable items we collected for the Haverhill foodbank

Amongst the guests was Henry Wilson who conceived and helped to set up the REACH Community Projects Team in Haverhill which has recently celebrated its first anniversary. The project sees 25-35 clients with a variety of needs each week. It provides services such as a Furniture and Food bank, advice and help on debt, benefits and housing issues, Credit Union facilities and the Acts 435 project.

It was good to be reminded as we shared a meal together that there were those who literally had no food, often due to circumstances beyond their control. The food bank undertakes to provide boxes with enough food for three days, to tide families or individuals over difficult periods, for example if there are problems with benefits. 225 boxes have been provided to date! Food vouchers are also available for people identified by other agencies such as social services or health visitors. These may be exchanged at the Food Bank Centre. In addition furniture, pots and pans and cutlery can be given if needed. So far they have received 368 items of furniture and delivered 231 items since April.

Some of the perishable items we collected, which were later distributed to some of our elderely neighbours

The project also provides debt advice and has 20 clients on their books at present. Linked with this is Acts 435 a web-based funding source run by the office of the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu. Since their launch last September the project has made 40 successful applications for funds totalling approximately £35,000 for client needs. One lady received a food box but didn’t even have a tin opener or microwave to cook any of the items so she was helped with domestic items and received a grant for a microwave.

It was very humbling to hear Henry’s stories, to see the practical help being provided. It’s good to know that our harvest donations will be going to truly help those in need. As Henry says “not only has it been challenging, exciting and frustrating at times, there’s been loads of “wow” moments, victories and of course lives changed – what an amazing God we serve.”