Thank you to our local food banks

We know first-hand how important the work of food banks is, so to thank our local food banks we recently made a £3,500 donation to seven food banks across the south and south west.

Before the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, we regularly used our offices as food collection points for local food banks. Although we’ve continued to support food banks by donating through supermarkets, these financial donations are also much needed.

Over the last few months our colleagues have also volunteered in different ways during the pandemic. 

While some have taken part in our befriending service, Aster Connect, others have volunteered their time at NHS test and trace centres in our communities.

Colleagues have also volunteered to help as marshals at vaccination centres.

We’re now working with charity Re-engage to launch our refreshed befriending service, Aster Connect Re-engage, by matching customers with vulnerabilities to volunteers to provide a regular friendly voice at the end of the phone.

We’ll continue to work in our communities to support these services and help people with vulnerabilities.