Ashleigh’s Story
For safeguarding reasons Ashleigh’s name and image have been changed.
The Olive Branch has known Ashleigh for over a year. She is a single mum with a 6-year-old son who doesn’t want to be using a food bank. I recall the day she came to visit full of joy at having landed a job and she proudly stated, “This is the last food parcel I’ll be needing!” Unfortunately, her zero hours contract did not lead to any hours and within a short time she was let go as the business didn’t have enough work for her. Of course, the last 6 months (coronavirus) have made it virtually impossible for her to get a job, especially as she has had to home-school her 6-year-old.
In April I spoke to her over the phone and she seemed happy to hear a familiar voice. We chatted for longer than usual and our conversation went beyond, “Have you any particular dietary requests?” She admitted to finding it very difficult living in a small flat above a shop with no garden for her son to play out. Only one outing per day for fresh air had begun to take a toll on her mental health. I offered her prayer and she gratefully accepted. Since then one of our isolating volunteers who knows Ashleigh from previous visits has been regularly praying for her.
Towards the end of August, Ashleigh put in a food parcel request. When one of our volunteers called her, Ashleigh was very upset. While staying with her mum her freezer had stopped working and had ruined the contents as well as the floor. It would be an additional expense on top of trying to save for new school uniform items and equipment. Donated boy’s clothes (including a uniform) were included in the food parcel along with a personal note of encouragement and a Bible verse. That afternoon Ashleigh rang to thank everyone for the support she has received. She sounded to be in a much brighter place than she had been in earlier.
On the day, several volunteers were involved in showing Ashleigh the love of Jesus. The person who made up her parcel and added an extra box of donated Godiva chocolates as a treat. The delivery driver who showed her kindness while topping up her gas and electricity key cards from donated funds, and the volunteer who continues to pray for her.