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The Olive Branch.
So much more than a food bank.
Latest News
We are so pleased to announce that The Olive Branch has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service! We have an awesome team of volunteers which has doubled in numbers over the last year as many locals have joined us to help us through lockdowns. What a wonderful way to thank everyone who has given their time by celebrating this award in National Volunteers Week.
We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive each week from Booths stores. We have volunteers who collect donations from Carnforth, Kirby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe Booths while Paul at Scotforth Booths, brings donations down to the unit for us. This makes a significant difference to our stock levels and we are in a much more secure position than we were a year ago as a result.
A year ago we entered Lockdown 1. Our stock levels were diminishing fast and we were struggling to replace it.
Work has been going on behind the scenes to update the website and it has now gone live. The new website includes stories of some of those we have helped and information on what and where to donate.
We are very excited that our premises on Westbourne Rd are now open to guests again. To keep things COVID safe, people need to book an appointment slot. If you are struggling and would like to talk to us about how we might be able to help you, or you simply need someone to talk to about your situation, please call 07983 336304 to book an appointment.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support those suffering distress caused by addiction, broken family relationships, poverty and homelessness, and to enable individuals and families to resolve and alleviate their difficulties.
Our Impact
Read about how your giving and support makes a difference to vulnerable people and families in Lancaster.
We received some incredibly heart-warming news and lovely feedback from one of our guests, giving insight to the impact of our work.
Elizabeth had never used a food bank before, but after fleeing domestic violence, found herself with no other means of feeding herself and her two children.
Susan looked nervous on her first visit to The Olive Branch. Small and slim, with a fixed smile on her face she explained her situation apologetically and then said something we hear often… “I never thought I’d need to use a food bank.” Nearing sixty she had worked her whole life and found herself struggling financially and emotionally when she lost her job.
The Olive Branch has known Ashleigh for over a year. She is a single mum with a 6-year-old son who doesn’t want to be using a food bank. I recall the day she came to visit full of joy at having landed a job and she proudly stated, “This is the last food parcel I’ll be needing!” Unfortunately, her zero hours contract did not lead to any hours and within a short time she was let go as the business didn’t have enough work for her. Of course, the last 6 months (coronavirus) have made it virtually impossible for her to get a job, especially as she has had to home-school her 6-year-old.
Emma (not her real name) is a single mum living with her 5-year old son. She lost her job at the beginning of lock down and a local advice agency has been giving support to help her recoup some of the pay she is still owed by her employer. Expecting a second child, and with no source of income, Emma struggled to prepare for her baby’s arrival. The Olive Branch sourced a bottle sterilizer and a pushchair for Emma along with providing weekly food parcels.
Karen (not her real name) had struggled with addiction on and off, had been through rehab and had relapsed.
At her lowest point she was homeless and without hope. She sat in The Olive Branch (Faith in Action) one
afternoon for a couple of hours recalling recent suicide attempts… a rail line, a bridge, a river…
Support Us
Donate
Another great way to support our work is to donate financially. We depend on donations and these have a huge impact our our work and help us to support vulnerable people in our city.
Give Food
With demand on our food bank greater than ever, we need your help to give food to those who need it. You can help us feed hungry people in Lancaster by adding one or two items to your weekly shop and donating them to us.
Volunteer
Local people helping local people. Our amazing team of local volunteers care about supporting others in their local community. If you share that passion, register interest in volunteering with us today.
Pray
Prayer is the foundation to all we do at The Olive Branch, every day we open we dedicate time to pray for the most vulnerable in our city. Find out creative ways you can pray for Lancaster with our prayer resources.
Partner with us
We want to work closely with local business leaders because we all share one vision: To make Lancaster a better city.
Lancaster is our home and we care about our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. We work with local partners to help support vulnerable individuals. We receive daily referrals from Citizen Advice, Department Of Work & Pensions(DWP), Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Lancaster City Council, Lancaster District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS), Global Link – Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support, Probation etc.
We love talking to local businesses and business leaders who share our passion for social justice across Lancaster. We’d love to start a conversation with you about how your business can make a positive impact in Lancaster by changing the lives of those who are struggling..