Vital winter support reaches those in need

Essential food and clothing has been donated to foodbanks and Women’s aid charities in North Wales by the UNISON Conwy branch.

Staff at the branch have ensured vital supplies have reached those who need them most by supporting their local Women’s Aid and the St Joseph foodbank in Colwyn Bay which uniquely does not require referrals.

With the cost of energy prices set to soar and the majority of UNISON members having to work from home, the branch committee also agreed to buy members a fleece throw to keep warm in the winter.

A member who received a fleece throw thanked the branch and said: “It’s lovely and I will enjoy snuggling underneath it.

“It was very kind of UNISON to buy these for us and I really appreciate the thought as much as the blanket.

“Thank you for helping to make me feel remembered and valuable.”

UNISON Conwy branch secretary Kim Russell said: “It is heart-breaking to know how many people, including many of our members, now rely on foodbanks to survive.

“We are also acutely aware of the worsening impact of the cost of living crisis and wanted to do all we could to support those most in need.

“As we are now in the grip of winter it is vital everyone has access to the food they need and also warm clothing which is why we were keen to donate to our local Women’s Aid charity and also provide our members with fleece throws.”

The UNISON Conwy branch also joined colleagues across Wales and throughout the UK by taking part in our annual Stars in our Schools event to recognise the work of everyone from teaching assistants (TA’s) to caretakers by providing a goodie bag which included a pen, a highlighter, a biscuit, leaflets and a log book for TA’s.