Ecotricity, Britain’s greenest energy company, is partnering with Food For Thought to provide free food and drink to people in need in Stroud this Friday.
Food For Thought, established by Gerry Watkins, will work with Ecotricity to provide a range of services, including free hot soup, tea or coffee, and mental health support to homeless people and individuals in need at the car park by the old tax office on Friday 7th and Friday 14th from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
Gerry Watkins, a long-time advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has supported the community around Cirencester for over 28 years through initiatives such as the Moonlight Eclipse Project and Food For Thought. Now, through his partnership with Ecotricity, he will offer his services to Stroud residents.
Dale Vince OBE, green industrialist and founder of Ecotricity, said: “I think it’s a lovely initiative and was keen to help. Stroud, like many parts of our country, has homeless and other vulnerable people. I was disappointed that Stroud District Council felt unable to find a place for Gerry’s van; a town centre location would have made it far more accessible. You’d think a local council would support exactly this kind of project but I’m glad that we found a way to do so instead.
“Gerry has been doing a fantastic job supporting people in need in Cirencester for several years now. We’re very happy to be helping him bring his services to the Stroud community.”
A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “Three Stroud District Council-owned locations were offered to Food for Thought on 16 January. Unfortunately, we have not received confirmation or any other correspondence from Food for Thought in relation to this since then.
“Feeding people in need is a council priority and we work closely with Stroud Town Council and the Network of Stroud Hubs which provide food pantries in community venues. Also, Stroud District Food Bank and Stroud District Citizens Advice provide food and advice sessions in Stroud town community venues every week. It’s really important that any food support for people who are homeless is given alongside essential advice on health, finance and housing. This is why our food support is done in partnership with others.
“More information about the Stroud District Food Bank can be found at Locations | Stroud District Foodbank
“To report someone who is rough sleeping please refer them to the Streetlink outreach service who will offer help and support.”
