I work with a local community organisation that works with people with learning disabilities and we do litter picking, gardening and planting up flower beds on our estate. My number has been put on a flyer for new volunteers the phone is paid for by the charity so no problem. Last week I had a message from a tearful woman and rang her back. She said she didn't have anywhere else to ring. Benefits have been stopped and she had no food. Not sure why she rang a volunteer gardening group but she said we sounded kind. She told me she'd not eaten in two days as she has no money and is physically disabled so can't collect from the food bank.
I went to our local shops, spent £15.00 of my own money and took the food to her. I didn't look in the cupboards but she didn't seem to have anything. Friday I called our local food bank and asked about a voucher explaining the situation. They said they normally need a referral but could potentially help out this week, they would need to see her to assess her. I did say that I can't bring her. I work full time and have young child. So I thanked them and said I'd look into other options although I wouldn't mind collecting a food parcel this time and taking it to her.
In the meantime I called a local food pantry arranged to collect three huge bags of food both fresh and frozen and took it to her. There was mor than enough for one week she is on her own.
She has a large dog who is lovely and today I saw a woman on our local field who looked suspiciously like her walking this big dog.
I had another phone call saying she'd been in touch with the food bank and that the food box was available for me to collect this week. I don't mind helping in crisis but I've been out twice. Once to local shops and then a 15 mile round trip to the food pantry. I did this in lieu of the food bank. I am fairly sure it was her walking this huge dog so I'm assuming she would be for enough to get to to food bank to pick it up. Its just food for three days.
I just don't know where to go from here, none of the organisations offer delivery and she doesn't know when she is beig paid next. I tried adult social care but they aren't interested. I can't be responsible for another grown adult but I don't want to leave her in a crisis (I can't be positive it was her walking the dog). I'm going on holiday next week so won't be available then.