Glossopdale Foodbank welcomes new Trustees

Glossopdale Foodbank has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of three new Trustees, who bring fresh experience, commitment and a strong sense of community service. 

Trustees play a vital role in overseeing a charity's work, helping to ensure it remains well governed, sustainable and responsive to local needs. They also support staff and volunteers who deliver the services on the ground. As well as bringing useful skills and new perspectives, they bring their passion – and Glossopdale Foodbank's new Trustees tick all these boxes. 

Speaking about their roles, the new Trustees said they were proud to continue traditions of volunteer service that have been an important part of their work and family lives. 

Kate Smith, Head Teacher at Glossopdale School and Sixth Form, said: "I am delighted to have become a Trustee of Glossopdale Foodbank so that I can contribute directly to making a positive change in the community. As Head Teacher of one of Glossop’s secondary schools, I offer passion, warmth and a relentlessly optimistic vision. I love serving the local community and hope that, as Trustee, I can help to build on the excellent work that already exists at the Foodbank and ensure that we continue to reach more people long into the future". 

The other two Trustees are continuing family traditions of helping others. One has been inspired by her mother's work with the Samaritans, while the other follows the path of her late mother, who served as a Trustee of Glossopdale Foodbank until her recent death. 

Lisa Pickavance, who is Assistant Head Teacher at St Philip Howard secondary school, said: "I have been involved in charity work since I was a teenager, following in the footsteps of my mum who dedicated a lot of her time to being a Samaritan. I am very excited to join the Foodbank team and I’m hopeful that my community links will help continue the great work of the charity in supporting our local community". 

Rachel Shaw, who runs a family bakery business, said: "I enjoy helping people and giving a little bit back to the community. It was something that my Mum who, as a Trustee with Glossopdale Foodbank until her recent death, was passionate about too". 

Foodbank Manager Liz Kearslake said: "We are delighted to welcome our new Trustees, and appreciate the advice and support they will bring, especially now, when the number of people needing our help is steadily increasing. So the Foodbank, more than ever, urgently needs food donations and funding to keep its shelves stocked, and to continue providing its vital support to local individuals and families in need". 

Liz thanked all the charity's donors for their generosity, but added that recent months have seen a fast-growing demand from people experiencing real hardship due to rising living costs, unemployment, low wages, illness and unexpected financial crises. 

"So if you would like to donate food or make a financial contribution, you can find details on our website (www.glossopdalefoodbank.org.uk) or contact me directly at 07811 684282". 

Glossopdale Foodbank is also urgently looking for volunteers to help keep its services running. The charity is seeking volunteers who can spare a couple of hours on a Monday or Thursday morning every three to four weeks to help give out food parcels at Hadfield Cricket Club. 

Anyone interested in joining the team is asked to contact Sarah Davies at sarah.glossopdalefoodbank@gmail.com or on 07833 810738.