MADE4UINML2 Annual Report 20-21

Our befriending service primarily offers a service to
anyone in the community who may benefit, and aims to
be a listening-ear and unconditional support. Many of
our calls began with referrals for a shielding or
emergency food parcel; however, our service ensures
that we give people the option to receive weekly checkins
or to receive a longer befriending call. A large
number of people have taken MADE4U up on this offer,
not only through this channel, but through direct
referrals, signposting or ever self-referral. Befrienders
offer an all-round service, willing to chat about family,
friends, isolation, health and mental health and much
more.
During the height of the pandemic people were
struggling from all walks of life. While some people
could make ends meet with some help with
shopping or a 3-day parcel, many people were
unable to cook or prepare food for themselves. We
have discovered there are many reasons a low-cost
meal can improve someone's quality of life; they
may not be feeling well either physically or mental,
may be elderly or infirm, or never have learned the
skills. Whatever the reason, our meals aim to meet
that need, offered at "pay as you feel", or £1
suggested donation.
In April 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic,
people were struggling in all manner of ways. Some
people struggled financially, or with cooking. However,
there was a group of people we identified who were
struggling with fear, isolation and inability to get out and
do their own shopping themselves. MADE4U were happy
to stand in the gap for people, and pick up this service
for those who couldn't shop online or get to the shops
themselves. We built brilliant relationships with people
who chose to use this service, and often were able to
help guide people around budgeting, healthy eating or
other issues. What a privilege to be in people's lives this
way.
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