Join St Andrew’s Community Network in giving the gift of hope this Christmas

St Andrew’s Community Network supports thousands of people across Liverpool every year.

Local charity St Andrew’s Community Network, home of North Liverpool Foodbank, has released their Christmas campaign, telling the story of one volunteer’s journey from being trapped in his home acutely challenged with poor mental health, to now delivering food and supporting people in hardship across the city.

In the video, Paul talks about how his social anxiety prevented him from leaving the ‘bubble’ that was his house. He says that he was ‘trapped in a vicious cycle’, and that he was at ‘rock bottom’.

After making the decision that something had to change, Paul got in touch with St Andrew’s Community Network and started volunteering, delivering food to Foodbanks and community food pantries all over North Liverpool. He helped ensure that people in crisis were supported, and able to access the food they needed.

Now, Paul’s confidence has grown so much that he is a vital part of the Network’s ‘Money Angel’ programme, which is a scheme that supports people using Foodbanks and pantries to access additional money advice should they need it.

Money Angels are trained volunteers who those in hardship can chat to about their money worries and be referred for free specialist debt or benefits advice if this is needed. The scheme aims to reduce the stigma around seeking advice, and ensures that the additional support is easily accessible for everyone.

The campaign video shows Paul at Walton Cornerstone, where he volunteers each week as a Money Angel. For Paul, he believes that his experience is what means he is better able to help others in his community.

Paul said:

“I’ve been there, that dark time. So I know how to help bring someone through it.”

“Being a Money Angel is pretty special. You’re meeting people who’ve got nowhere else to turn to – they’re at rock bottom. Nobody says when they’re 16, ‘I want to go to a Foodbank’. I make it a safe space for them.”

Paul’s powerful journey demonstrates the reality of hope, and he says that he sees change in the people he supports every day.

He added:

“Being able to reach out and help someone that way. You can tell them that there is a way – this is not your forever. Things can change. You see them a few weeks later and they come back with a smile on their face – that is change. You’re making a difference.”

Watch the full video by visiting St Andrew’s Community Network’s website here.

St Andrew’s Community Network supports thousands of people across Liverpool every year as they work to build financial resilience, food security and sustainable communities across the city and beyond. You can help support their work and continue to make a difference by giving the gift of hope this Christmas.

Visit their website to donate here.

Get the latest Christmas news for Liverpool HERE and visit our calendar to see what’s on across the city region as the countdown continues HERE.