A Leeds foodbank charity has teamed up with a global translation company to ensure language is no barrier for people accessing vital support.
Leeds (West) Foodbank in Farsley is run by a partnership of local churches in West Leeds and provides food to those living in crisis in the area.
As well as providing nourishment, the charity gives people the opportunity to talk about their problems and offers ‘help to find other help’.
Translation and interpretation company, thebigword, which has its headquarters in Lower Wortley, has pledged a free interpretation service to the charity, to ensure people who speak little or no English can access the same quality of support.
The company has also set up its own foodbank collection point at its Leeds office to collect and donate supplies, such as fruit juices, powdered milk, tinned potatoes, toiletries and nappies.
Bernie Byrne, group client services director at thebigword, said: “Foodbanks not only provide local people with emergency food if they experience a crisis, they are also places where people can access support and someone to talk to about their problems.
“By providing the charity with free interpretation services, we can help people who speak any language to engage with the foodbank volunteers who can then signpost them to further support agencies.
“We are literally at the end of a telephone line to help ensure people get the best support possible.”
Karen Burgon, project lead for Leeds (West and North) Foodbank, said: “Support from local companies is crucial to us being able to help those in crisis in the Leeds area.
“thebigword has not only set up its own foodbank collection point, to help us maintain supplies of core food items, it is also removing the language barrier to those seeking help.
“This service will be extremely beneficial for our volunteers and, ultimately, the people most in need.”
For more information on thebigword and its services, visit: www.thebigword.com, follow thebigword on Twitter @thebigword or connect with thebigword on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/26280.
