“There’s no point asking for help, people like me don’t get help.”

Last week at the food bank in St Mary’s Church Hall in Sholing, I met Mick, their church warden, who showed me around. He was pleased to be able to share about the journey that had been on from starting 13 years ago to the present day.  We got chatting about a particular memory that has never left him.

St Mary's food bank had only recently opened. One day, a man walked through the door looking completely defeated.

He had spent his working life in a manual trade and had always earned his own living. He'd never imagined he would ever need to ask anyone for help, especially not a food bank. But work had dried up, money had run out and he had reached the point where there was simply nothing left.

Coming into the food bank, he felt embarrassed and uncomfortable. For someone who had always been independent, asking for food felt like admitting failure. Mick stepped forward to talk to him.  It became clear as they talked that the man might also be entitled to some financial support while he looked for work but Mick’s suggestion was met with little hope, convinced there was no point applying. People like him didn't get help, he said. He was certain he would be turned down.

After putting together some food for him to take home, Mick didn't just wish him well and send him on his way. Instead, the two men walked outside and sat together on a tree stump in the churchyard. Using Mick's laptop, they worked through a formal welfare support application together. It took about half an hour. Mick helped him answer the questions, complete the form and submit it. Then they said goodbye.

A few weeks later, the man came back. This time he wasn't looking for help. His application had been successful, giving him enough support to steady things while he found work again. He was back on his feet and wanted to say thank you. He arrived carrying two bags of shopping. "…for the next person," he told Mick.

As Mick remembers that day, he acknowledges tears welling up because he remembers a man who walked through the church doors believing there was no hope left but left knowing that someone cared enough to sit beside him and practically support him to make tomorrow look different from today.

For Mick, that has always been what the food bank is really about. Not simply meeting an immediate need, but showing people that they matter, that they’re not alone, and that there are people who want to and can help them find a way forward.