The first MP’s surgery held in Newport’s foodbank was a ‘very useful session’ according to the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner.
The drop-in surgery last Friday morning, in the Church on the Roundabout, was the first held to coincide with the Foodbank Cafe’s opening hours. The Newport foodbank is the busiest on the Island, with many people visiting after getting vouchers from the Jobcentre service in Broadlands House.
Mr Turner said:
“The Cafe was busy and lively with lots of people dropping in for a coffee and a slice of cake, as well as people coming in with foodbank vouchers. I saw a number of Islanders; some with problems they wanted help with; others who just wanted a chat. I thought it was a very useful session and I am looking forward to the next one at 11.00am on Wednesday 16th April – everyone is welcome. I always try to help with any problem, but benefits issues or delays are the responsibility of Government, so I can, if necessary, raise those problems directly with Ministers.
“I was kept well supplied with cups of tea and delicious ginger cake made by one of the volunteers – I can certainly recommend it as a friendly, companionable venue.”
Tony Murphy, Church leader and Foodbank Supervisor, commented:
“As a church, our community is very important to us, so it was excellent to have our MP visit and be willing to talk with the community. As a foodbank, it is really good that our clients have this opportunity to meet with their MP. It is great that he is making himself so accessible.”
