Paul's Story

Paul shares his story and message of hope this Easter of how a Trussell Trust food bank helped him during a difficult time in his life.

paul

“I was nervous and embarrassed about going to the food bank, but there was nothing to be ashamed of."

Paul was running a successful carpentry business abroad, but when his mum passed away it turned his life upside down. Struggling to manage with the pain of loss and having to deal with a number of other serious family problems, Paul developed severe anxiety and depression. Unable to cope, he was forced to abandon his business. With no income, he was unable to afford food.

"There are a lot of opportunities that the food bank can offer other than just a can of baked beans."

A path out of poverty

It wasn’t just food that the food bank was able to support him with. Staff encouraged Paul to get involved with volunteering at their furniture bank, which helped him to rebuild his confidence in a work environment again. “I started repairing some of the furniture and then we moved on to setting up a social enterprise,” he explains.

The scheme offers an affordable home maintenance service in the local community. Paul enjoys being part of it. He said: “It helps rebuild people’s lives, not just their homes. And it’s helping me to get back on my feet.”

We need your support

Providing more than food helps people to rebuild their lives and find a path out of poverty.

All across the UK there are many more people like Paul who are in need of our support, but we can only continue our vital work with your help. Please donate today and give more people a path out of poverty.

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