ANTI-poverty charities are forming an alliance to bring help for those in crisis.

Colchester Foodbank is partnering with Christians Against Poverty in order to tackle, poverty, debt, addiction and unemployment.

The foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s 400-strong network of foodbanks across the UK, and is focused on helping people find long-term solutions to their financial problems as well as responding to emergency situations.

It is a perfect fit for the Christians Against Poverty which works to address the causes of poverty and joblessness by offering debt advice through its church-based centres, money management courses and job clubs.

Teresa Lasky, the organisation’s debt centre manager in Colchester, said: “Every person crippled by grinding poverty deserves us to be working together to find solutions.

“This is why this partnership marks a significant step forward for the most vulnerable people in the town.

“Life can be a real struggle for some of these people so we’re looking forward to working more closely with the foodbank and helping to find solutions that will bring some relief.”

Last year, the foodbank provided three day emergency food for 4,611 adults and 2,774 children who had been referred to its services.

So far this year it is 952 adults and 588 children have been helped.

Manager Jeannette Hewes, who calls Colchester Foodbank a lifeline, explained a crisis is about more than food.

She said: “It’s vital people are supported to address the underlying causes - that’s why we offer support beyond emergency food and signpost individuals to local agencies to help them tackle the roots of their crisis.

“This new agreement with Christians Against Poverty means it will be even easier for our foodbank volunteers to help people with debt, unemployment or budgeting problems to find a more positive future.”

To contact Christians Against Poverty , call Teresa Lasky on 07801 477148 or email teresalasky@capuk.org.

Colchester Foodbank is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.

Call 01206 621998 or email info@colchester.foodbank.org.uk for more information.