Auntie Irene's Pantry looking for new home to continue helping village residents after lockdown lifts

Auntie Irene’s Pantry – formerly Project Together – is on the hunt for new premises with the confirmation that Butterworth Hall will return to pre-pandemic activities after lockdown ends.

Since its launch six weeks ago, demand for Auntie Irene’s Pantry has increased say its founders, local resident Tom Bishop and councillor Irene Davidson.

Named after the ward councillor – “Everyone in Milnrow and Newhey knows Irene, and she is like the auntie to everyone in the area,” Tom explained – Auntie Irene’s Pantry aims to ensure that nobody goes without essentials during lockdown.

Tom said: “We believe it makes the pantry more comforting to approach, and possibly a coincidence, but it is certainly increasing with demand. In short, what was an initial pilot scheme is now looking like a longer term project.

“We have a fabulous team of volunteers in place and the Tim Bobbin has been providing us with support; Kelly Shang [the landlady] has allowed us to put our new banner on their outer wall – a big thank you to her for that.”

Auntie Irene’s Pantry has been operating from Butterworth Hall, which hasn’t been running its usual activities due to the pandemic, but the project will need to find a new home with plenty of storage space when it becomes a working building again as lockdown is eased.

“We’ve had confirmation that Butterworth Hall would become a working building again on 12 April, so we need to be out by then. We've also been dipping into our own money to continue funding the needs because things are tough at the moment,” Tom added.

Councillor Davidson added: “It’s not just about food. We can help with finance and other contacts.

“You don’t need to book; just turn up if you’re in need. There is a stigma of ‘it’s not for me’ but anyone is welcome; bring a plastic bag and put items in that will get you through the week. If you’re still stuck the following week, come back. If you have to choose between paying the bills and eating, come to us for food, pay your bill and keep a roof over your head.

“We will ask no questions other than ‘is there any other way we can help you?’”

 

 

Tom continued: “People think you need to be in dire straits to use a foodbank, but it doesn’t matter where you live or what your status is. I think there’s a misconception that it’s not needed because Milnrow and Newhey is one of the last places [in the Rochdale borough] to have a foodbank or similar service.

Anyone in need can message the page privately to arrange a delivery if required, or you can contact Irene directly too: “If you want to talk to us, you can turn up and we can chat to you in a private room to see if we can take our help further. We can deliver to your doorstep, ring the bell and leave without seeing you, if that’s what you prefer.”

Whilst the pantry has been a busy service, Tom and Irene estimate that for every person who picked up essentials, that help has gone several times further as family members benefit from the service – and they anticipate usage could increase when lockdown ends.

Councillor Davidson noted: “We need to make sure we’re going for at least 12 months, and if we’re not then needed in Milnrow and Newhey, fair enough, we’ll be needed elsewhere and help the community at large.

“Whatever happens, we will do our utmost. The lovely people of Milnrow and Newhey will donate and donate.”

The pantry has a good stock of both tinned and dry goods, but requires pasta sauces, tinned meat, tinned potatoes, Easter eggs, all personal items including sanitary products and cereals like porridge.

Cash donations are also welcome so that volunteers can purchase special items such as baby food, any dietary requirements, prepaid cards for heating or electricity, or fresh bread on the day.

Auntie Irene’s Pantry is currently operating from Butterworth Hall on Wednesdays (6pm to 7pm) and Sundays (11.30am to 2pm).

You can find out more via Facebook: 

• www.facebook.com/SundayPantryMilnrowandNewheyFoodbank