Hampstead Community Centre food bank volunteers loading the New Journal parcels for delivery

THE New Journal food aid project has been out on our rounds again this week helping those in need: they range from pensioners and people with long-term health issues to those who are struggling financially.

We met a family in the building trade – a grandfather, son, and grandson – who have been running their Agar Grove-based business for four decades. Work had been slow before the pandemic, and has now completely disappeared.

Three generations of the same family are currently out of work, as well as a number of tradesmen and labourers they employed.

The grandfather, who is in his 70s, told the New Journal the feeling reminded him of hard times when he was a child in Camden Town. He said: “I’ve never wanted to have a drill and a bit of timber in my hand so much. I could never see myself retiring but we have no jobs on.”

Hampstead councillor Oliver Cooper and Hampstead Volunteer Corps organiser Ashley Ryan

The firm, which specialises in conversion work turning lofts into rooms, adding extensions, kitting out kitchens and bathrooms, says it is the first time in four decades they have no jobs to price up and estimate.

He added: “We are lucky that we don’t have rent to pay, but we have no fat left to live off. My grandson learned his trade, but how much work will come his way in the foreseeable?” We topped up the family’s cupboards – helping them eke out their dwindling resources.

Elsewhere, the New Journal this week is helping a trio of community centres establish a new food bank in the heart of Camden Town. After visiting estates in NW1 with emergency food drops, we saw how great the need is becoming. Many people, like the family of builders, have never used food banks before but are low on cash.

They are having to watch what they put in their shopping baskets.

Children who enjoy a hearty free school lunch are finding parents skimping on their own meals to ensure they do not go hungry.

Time and again, we have heard this on doorsteps across the borough – the “just getting by” are now teetering on the brink of real, entrenched poverty – making the work of our community charities, mutual aid groups and your local newspaper even more vital. After witnessing this first hand, we discussed the issue with other food aid projects.

Volunteers Claire Wynnick and Jane Andrews help load up the CNJ van

The outcome is a new food distribution centre at the Castlehaven Community Centre in Castle Road.

With Castlehaven partly relying on income from social enterprises that operate from their headquarters, the tough decision had to be made to lock the doors of the popular centre when the pandemic broke.

Instead, Castlehaven has been offering support via the telephone and online.

Now, with the New Journal’s help, the centre will be the base for a food project delivering parcels on Thursdays to anyone in NW5 and NW1 who has lost their job or income, or are experiencing hardship directly due to Covid-19.

Managed jointly by the Highgate Newtown Crisis Centre, the Kentish Town Community Centre and Castlehaven – and supported by the New Journal – we hope to alleviate the problems many face. With demand increasing each week, the three organisations predict pressure on their services will rocket.

Castlehaven CEO Tricia Richards said: “This is such an important development for Castlehaven. We’ve been delivering services to help people’s wellbeing during lockdown. It is a shame to have to open another food bank but sadly demand for emergency food is increasing”.

l The charities have launched a campaign to raise £7,5000 to organise and stock the new service. To donate, go to bit.ly/36GaUD3 To apply for a parcel call 07551 798767.

To volunteer, contact info@castlehaven.org.uk