One in five people in the U.K live below the poverty line, a shocking statistic! Some of the hardest hit areas have been the former industrial heartlands, Blaenau Gwent being one of them.

Blaenau Gwent in the South Wales Valleys is a former mining community where with the closure of the mines and the steel works many families found themselves without work. While other businesses have been established in the area, the disparity between jobs and number of people residing in the area remains.

It isn't only the unemployed however that use the services that the foodbanks supply. Many people accessing these services are in employment however rising bills mean that they still have to choose between paying the bills or eating. The services that the foodbank supply are set to be stretched further this year with the roll out locally of the Universal Credit.

Blaenau Gwent foodbanks were established in 2008 and since then, demand for their services has quadrupled with six sites across the county now offering help and support. Last year (2017) saw them supply 4405 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. It's not only food though, nappies, washing powder and toiletries are also needed.

The funds raised here will provide personal care packs for Blaenau Gwent Foodbanks to distribute. These packs will contain soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush, flannel, hand sanitiser and sanitary products. All vital in allowing people in need to lead as normal a life as possible and maintaining their health and dignity. (*products may vary according to demand)

So, if like many of us you forget to pop something into the donation box at your local supermarket or you weren't aware of such a growing need, please donate whatever you can so that together we can help.

Blaenau Gwent Foodbanks

BBC News Wales Foodbanks