THURROCK'S Foodbank charity is shortly to open a new café at its Corringham headquarters on Chase Road.

The premises were recently visited by East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe who offered his support and backing for the project and passed on a donation.

The community café will be called Spacious Space, and will help provide a safe place for pastoral care to those in need where they can receive additional help to increase health and wellbeing.

Mr Metcalfe said: "There are always people who will, through no fault of their own, end up in crisis and needing assistance. Food Banks provide those in need with two lots of emergency food.

"However, their role does not end there, they also provide assistance to individuals to help them stabilise their position and guide them towards the people and organisations who can help them get back onto their feet.

The new cafe.

"Life can be difficult for everyone at times, therefore it is important to have someone you can go and talk to. This new café and scheme by Thurrock Food Bank will definitely help people in the community.

"While it is always heart-warming to see the public rally round those in need and support the less well off, in an ideal world it would not be necessary for people to rely on Food Banks, and I hope that we can continue to build a stronger economy so that less people have to rely upon them.

"I have always supported charitable donations and it is vital to support local organisations which is why I chose to pass on a donation which I was given to the Thurrock Food Bank."

Meanwhile Thurrock Foodbank is looking for volunteers to help staff collection days to be held at Tescos at Lakeside.

People are being asked to donate two hour shifts during Friday, 1 July from 10am to noon, 12 till 2pm and 2pm to 4pm. Volunteers are also required for the Saturday (2 July) between 2 and 4pm.

Volunteers will be greeting customers and offering them a shopping list and thanking them for donations.

One of the event organisers is Sandra Sawle who said: "Having people help at these events makes a huge difference to the amount of donations we receive. If you can spare two hours please contact me - you will a super hero."

Sandra can be contacted by calling 07810372140.