Social supermarket praise for Comic Relief support

Yvonne Smith admits "things were really desperate" when she signed up to the Plate of Plenty in Nuneaton last year

"I walked in and burst into tears," the 63-year-old said.

The former teaching assistant and her husband found themselves out of work because of ill health and were on benefits.

The social supermarket, based at the town's Abbeygate Shopping Centre, aims to provide affordable food to people who are struggling with the cost of living.

The shop, run by the charity Guardians Grow, received a £5,000 grant from Comic Relief and founder Sioux Watkins said "to be recognised by such a big funder is massive for us".

Smith said it had lifted a huge weight off her mind because, after paying bills, she had no money left for food.

"I don't know where I'd be now if it wasn't for Sioux and this place," she said.

The social supermarket is different to a food bank because users register and then pay £5 per person to select up to 15 items from the range of goods on offer.

Watkins said it was like a step up from a food bank: "they're actually contributing and they can choose what they have."

Smith, a guide dog trainer was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease, in 2019 and was medically retired from her job working with children with learning difficulties.

Her husband, an electrician, was made redundant during Covid and not long after that he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes extreme physical pain and tiredness.

"We've always worked hard and provided for ourselves; through no fault of our own we've been thrown into this really difficult situation," Smith said.

She said she felt ashamed asking for help: "there is a stigma having to ask someone else for food and not being able to provide for yourself."

But she said staff at the charity made her realise it was not a bad thing.

Guardians Grow also runs a community hub and cafe next door, called Margaret's, which was initially set up to tackle loneliness and isolation.

"Everyone needs to belong and that's something they find when they come here," said Watkins.

They now support 10,000 people each year and provide a range of services - including supporting people who are at risk of homelessness, addiction and domestic violence.

They also offer a Plate of Hope and a Cup of Kindness, free hot or cold meals and drinks within the hub.

Watkins said "many who arrive at our doors have not eaten properly for days".

The charity, which employs two paid members of staff and 25 volunteers, relies on grants and donations to keep the doors open.

The food is provided by FareShare, the food redistribution charity.

Watkins said the charity also hoped to open a community kitchen in the town centre, offering people the chance to learn about food and how to cook it.

Comic Relief will be on BBC One and iPlayer from 19:00 on Friday.