Bob Beattie, a 59-year-old originally from Stockport and now living in Birmingham, describes the support he received from the local charity Narthex as a “proper lifesaver” during his recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Having relocated to the Midlands to focus on overcoming his addiction, Bob relied on the food bank’s services for around three to four months while in recovery.
Narthex operates several food bank centres across Birmingham, providing not only essential food supplies but also offering additional services such as guidance on money matters, debt advice, and community engagement programmes. This broad approach aims to support individuals beyond immediate food needs.
After successfully completing his recovery, Bob felt compelled to give back to the community that had helped him. What was initially intended as a 12-week volunteer commitment at Narthex’s Tyseley location has now extended to nearly 20 months. He passionately states, “I absolutely love it.”
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Bob emphasises the impact Narthex has had on his life, explaining that without the support he received, he might not have survived his recovery. He highlights the food pantry service, where a £5 contribution on a Thursday can provide food roughly worth £20 to £25. This option was invaluable not only to him but also to others he shared a house with, helping them avoid debt or borrowing money.
“This food bank goes a long way,” Bob says. “It’s not only a food bank; it has other departments. In every department, there’s somebody here to help you.”
Narthex’s food bank locations are spread across Birmingham, including Balsall Heath, Tyseley, Sparkhill, Stechford, and Hall Green, serving a wide range of communities in need.
The charity continues to play a crucial role in supporting those facing hardship in the city, providing comprehensive aid that extends beyond just food provision.