Laura Farris MP visits Lambourn Junction
Our member of parliament, Laura Farris, visited the Lambourn Junction on Friday to see for herself how a team of dedicated volunteers are helping the community.
Laura commented: “I am with the amazing team at Lambourn Junction who set up two months ago to support local families in need during the crisis. The community response has been incredible – the very best of us – and I am truly grateful for all their hard work.”
The Lambourn junction addresses the immediate needs in this pandemic of the residents of Lambourn and surrounding villages. The Junction provides vital food and groceries as well as support services to those most in need. The Lambourn Junction serves 150 households in the Valley of the Racehorse.
Anna Field, the lead coordinator of the Lambourn Junction commented: “We receive an average of 6-8 referrals to the Junction every day on the helpline number, upwards of 6 private messages daily via social media, and we have on average 8-11 walk ins every day needing food parcels. We are seeing an increasing number of families needing help, with the pressure and financial demand of having children at home 24/7 mounting. We can supply countless examples of cases where people have said we are a ‘lifeline’, that ‘they don’t know what they would do without us’.”
The Lambourn Junction works in collaboration with Spotlight FoodHub through the West Berkshire Council Community Hub.
Individuals, companies and organisations in the parish have been most generous. The Junction receives donations on a daily basis from the kind residents of Lambourn. Some businesses make regular donations, contacting The Lambourn Junction to find out what we are in greatest need of this week. The outpouring of generosity and support from the community has been overwhelming.
Helen Noll, a volunteer, said: “We sincerely thank Lambourn Parish Council for their help in allowing the Lambourn Junction to use the Memorial Hall – this was one of the most significant acts of support which launched and sustains the Lambourn Junction.”
The Lambourn junction is open 11am to 1pm Monday to Saturday and is available to anyone who needs extra support at this difficult time. No means test, no names taken – just support given.
