“We’ve had people who are supporters of the food bank now walking through the door for help.

“They’ve never had to use a food bank and must find it really hard.”

The words of Sharon Keenan, Manager of Wimborne Food Bank.

One of six food banks set up by local churches and supported by Faithworks, it saw the number of users rise by more than a half – 53 per cent to be precise – last year.

2,560 compared to 1,675 in the previous 12 months.

In Southbourne numbers are up +108% (1,520 in 2020 v 734 in 2019); Christchurch +26% (2,749 v 2,176) and Poole’s main foodbank +10% (4,468 v 4,071).

The trend is clear with the pandemic playing a major role.

Sharon, who joined as a volunteer in 2017 after 25 years with Barclays Bank, said: “In Wimborne’s case I think there are three main reasons for the increase.

“Redundancies and people losing their jobs after being furloughed.

“A big increase in domestic violence with women coming out of refuges and needing to put food on the table.

“Also couples who have separated.

“Some need help on a short-term basis or they have longer-term needs.

“Either way we’re here to walk with them for as long as they need us.”

Donations of food from the community have been “incredible” said Sharon.

“At times, it’s been quite overwhelming.

“The generosity from people is genuinely heart-warming and we’re just so grateful,” she said.

One individual donated £3,500 so that 350 people could receive a £10 Gullivers Bookshop token in the run-up to Christmas.

A fundraising raffle by a local family, expected to raise £100 to buy children’s Christmas presents and selection packs, ended up making more than £600.

“A fantastic achievement,” said Sharon.

Dorset Community Foundation paid for 50 luxury Christmas hampers while a private donor funded a further 25.

Contents ranged from food to family games and chocolates.

Sharon said: “Our clients were totally overwhelmed. There were lots of tears shed.

“We have one lady who donated knitted toys which were really lovely and were sent out with handwritten cards.

“We’re here for those who are experiencing a short-term crisis in affording food.

“Our clients need a voucher from a referrer before they receive a food parcel.

“In total we provided 907 food parcels in 2020 which fed the 2,560 adults and children who were facing a food crisis.

“The support we’ve received – and continue to receive – from the people of Wimborne has been quite amazing.”

Despite its name, Wimborne Food Bank also offers help in other ways.

Trained money advisers from Faithworks can help with debt and budget problems.

It’s also started to work with the Wardrobe Foundation.

The social enterprise, based in Dorset, works to repurpose donated women’s clothing to women in need of clothing support.

It collates donations of items typically found in a woman’s wardrobe such as jeans, hoodies, jumpers, skirts, trousers, and coats.

Wardrobe Foundation then curates a capsule wardrobe of foundation pieces presented in beautiful bespoke gift bags.

Wimborne Food Bank has 41 volunteers of which 30 are described by Sharon as active and there’s a waiting list.

It currently operates out of two sheds at the back of Leigh Park Community Centre in Gordon Road.

Sharon said she was keen to look for new premises in central Wimborne, perhaps as part of a community hub.

“If anyone can help I’d be delighted to hear from them,” she said.

• Wimborne Food Bank is open Wednesday 10am-12 noon and Friday 2pm-4pm. It is also open every Friday for two hours before the session – 12pm-2pm – to receive donations.
• wimbornefoodbank.org.uk