NEEDING the services of a foodbank must be a terrifying time for an individual or a family, so the fact that it is part of an increasing trend locally and nationally should scare everyone.

It shows that the world is becoming a harder place to live in, and even those in an affluent area like Thornbury are not above the perils of the poverty gap.

It is absolutely correct what Mair Vaughan from Thornbury Foodbank said, that while the numbers are low, the proportion of the increase is a concern.
But in the wake of the statistics, it is still reassuring to know that there are those willing to give their own time to help.

It is also tremendously uplifting when you see younger people in the community, such as Rosie Bell, and Connor and Lewis Tucker, who understand the importance of the foodbanks, lead by example and show tremendous charitable spirit with their collections.

That kind of act shows those who might be struggling that they are not alone, and offers hope that the next generation will prioritise the community in a similar fashion.