Mothers’ Union branch members have stepped up their support for local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown has meant Sussex charity “Family Support Work” (FSW) giving out 40 weekly food boxes up from the usual 25. Each box contains a month’s basic food needs and the charity were rapidly running out of food.

From 6 June, the 44 Sussex Branches of the Mothers’ Union mobilised and collected enough food to feed over 80 families for a month. Worthing charity Turning Tides loaned their van so the MU could transport food from around the county to FSW at Brighton, travelling over 300 miles in 2 weekends. As well as food, donations of toiletries, household cleaning products and babies’ nappies were needed and provided.

Mothers’ Union Diocesan President, Karen Hill said: “I know our members pray with their feet moving. This was a simple need and one we can help with. FSW and Mothers’ Union mirror each other’s core values, and are an obvious partnership in these difficult times. With the generous help of Turning Tides, this is a wonderful example of community charities pulling together to help those in need. These last weeks in lockdown have been hard and members relish the opportunity to do something to help others.”

One MU member, Norma said: ”My granddaughter gets my shopping for me, as I have to be shielded. It will be lovely to get her to buy some food for someone other than me!! It’s good to do things for each other.”

Martin Auton-Lloyd, director of FSW said: “The Mothers’ Union has always been a great friend to FSW and just as we thought we were going to hit problems with food supplies they stepped in and offered to help us keep our food bank running. Bringing our joint supporters together like this is a great way to show to the wider community the commitment, that we, as Christians, have to serving those in need.”

Mothers’ Union Chief Executive, Bev Jullien said: The response from our membership has been overwhelming but not surprising. The rallying call from the movement was, stay safe but wherever people need help, we’re there for them. Mothers’ Union has always responded to community needs, and our response to Covid-19 sums it up – we do whatever is needed by the communities we are a part of, in partnership with others, to ensure the most effective response, we always have and always will.”

• If you would like to donate financially to the work of FSW, click here.
• To learn more about the Mothers’ Union, nationally click here.
• To read about the Worth and Pound Hill Mothers’ Union branch, click here.