TWO new foodbanks are opening as clients are struggling to collect their parcels.

From Monday, October 12, Colchester Foodbank will have a temporary branch in West Mersea Free Church in Mill Road.

And churches in Brightlingsea look set to host a permanent foodbank for the area in the next few months.

Corrine Thompson, manager of the Colchester foodbank, said it would make life easier for residents if they could collect their food locally.

She said: “It has been a great concern that, although we feed the whole of the Colchester district, we need to reach many more.

“Our many partners tell us of their clients’ struggle to travel into the town centre.

“We are thrilled with volunteers in Brightlingsea ready to launch our second Foodbank service centre, where residents can get the support they need.“ Currently food is collected at Brightlingsea Co-op and is also donated to many of the churches and schools, where it is then transported to the Colchester warehouse.

Win Pomroy, from Brightlingsea, came up with the idea to be the new co-ordinator of the town’s branch.

She said: “Unfortunately, many people still think of homeless, drug addicts and alcoholics when foodbanks are mentioned. They only make up a less than 1 per cent of Colchester foodbank’s clients.

“It is very much more likely to be a family who, through no fault of their own, have reached a crisis point in their lives and need a little support.”

Mrs Pomroy, 69, who used to work in the A&E department at Colchester General Hospital, said she wanted to give something back to the community.

She added: “I have seen a lot of people in deprivation and it was something I promised myself I would do when I retired.

“It’s not just about handing out bags of food, it’s finding out what led people to be in this situation and finding them further help.”

A meeting was held at the Salvation Army Citadel in Brightlingsea at the end of last month to find potential venues and volunteers.

The Brightlingsea Foodbank would be open for two hours, once a week.

Three churches have been listed as potential venues for the new branch.

The Mersea branch will initially open for one day a week, for a six-month trial period.

For more information and if you would like to volunteer email foodbank@wmfc.org.uk.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Brightlingsea branch should contact Win Pomroy at win.pomroy@gmail.com or on 01206 303902.