Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, recently met with Philip Rutt from Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank at one of her constituent surgeries.
Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank is a Christian organisation who provide practical help such as food and essential goods in a welcoming, caring environment where each person is valued and respected as an individual.
In the last 12 months the Basics Bank has dealt with over 2000 referrals in Fareham and Gosport. They provide a week's worth of food, toiletries and in some cases, nappies, for people in crisis.
However, they are on the search for new premises in Gosport. Unfortunately their current base, David Bogue Hall, is part of Bury Road URC which is amalgamating with another congregation and therefore these premises will no longer be available for the Basics Bank to use.
They are looking for a space such as a small industrial unit or warehouse or a building with the use of three separate rooms. Ideally, the new base would be in a central and accessible location so that those in need can still receive the essential services they provide.
Caroline said:
"Gosport Basics Bank do a fantastic job of helping people in our area who find themselves with nowhere else to turn. It would be wonderful if we were able to help them in their quest to find a long-term base to continue their incredibly important work.
That is why I am encouraging anyone who knows of a local premises that might be suitable to get in touch with the Basics Bank to see if it might meet their needs."
Phillip Rutt, Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank, said:
"We are grateful for our involvement with Bury Road URC and we have received generous support from the Church.
Due to the growing need in Gosport, we are committed to finding new premises so that we can carry on doing what we always have done, supporting the vulnerable members of our community."
If you have any ideas or suggestions of any locations which would be suitable for Gosport Basics Bank, then please contact Philip Rutt on 07709 962397 or philip.rutt@icloud.com.
For more information about Gosport and Fareham Basics Bank or to see how you can help please visit http://www.friendsofthehomeless.org.uk/index.html or https://www.facebook.com/FarehamandGosportBasicsBank/.