A FOOD bank’s driving force insists her honour is recognition for work all its volunteers do, not just her own.
Patricia Jarman has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her service at Tameside East, which operates from four centres in Ashton, Stalybridge and Dukinfield.
The 66-year-old, who lives in Stalybridge, is very good at keeping a secret as very few people know she has got it, even though she has known for about eight weeks.
Just as strong is her belief that it shows the impact food banks are making in local communities as usage his risen largely during her 11-and-a-half year association.
Patricia, who lives in the Castle Hall area but insists her home is OK after the tornado passed through, told The Correspondent: “I only found out about two months ago – nobody knows, even now!
“OK, my husband knows. I was a bit shocked when I received the letter in a way as I do what I do as I feel it’s the right thing to do.
“I was also quite touched that someone felt I was worth sending the form about.
“And the food bank is made up of volunteers, I couldn’t do it on my own so it’s a joint thing. I see it as one on behalf of Tameside East Foodbank.
“I’d taken early retirement in 2012 and was asked if I could help set up the food bank as it had been operating with two other churches for about six months before.
“I said I’d help set it up then became a trustee shortly after we opened on December 5, 2012. I’ve been there since then.”
In 2013, Patricia became an unpaid project manager at Tameside East Foodbank, which operates from St John’s Church in Dukinfield, Holy Trinity in Stalybridge, New Life Church in Ashton and now Reach Church in Millbrook.
It also has a centre base at St Matthew’s in Stalybridge.
And the rise in usage is pretty stark as she pointed out: “When I first started, we fed about 1,200 people and each year it’s gone up.
“From April 1, 2022 to March 31 this year, we fed 6,500 and this year will be bigger.
“People can’t afford it. There are a lot more people who are in work using us, it’s not just people who don’t. It’s affecting all classes really.
“And we know something’s wrong in society. Food poverty’s just the tip of the iceberg, it goes hand in hand with so many other issues.
“So we signpost when we can and since April we’ve had Citizen’s Advice advisors in our centre, so we directly refer clients to them if there’s any help that can get them out of this situation.
“It is meant to be an emergency food cover, not longer term.”
Patricia’s project manager role saw her lead teams of volunteers across the community, managing the stock and building relationships with local stakeholders, all while continuing to work long and unsociable hours both during and beyond the centre’s opening times.
She has built up valuable relationships with local food and grocery businesses, which serve as a lifeline. Most notably, Tesco and Greggs in Stalybridge.
Patricia also guided Tameside East through Covid-19 lockdowns, which saw some necessary changes,
She added: “Because our warehouse was tiny, it wasn’t Covid-19 safe for volunteers. So we moved it to St John’s, which is where we are five days a week.”
Being honoured maybe a big thing but there is no time to rest and laud it. Patricia will be back to work on Tuesday.
She told the Correspondent: “I’ve no idea how and when I’m going to get the medal. I’ll just take it as it happens.
“And I’m being officially honoured on New Year’s Day then it’s straight back to work with the food bank on the Tuesday. I don’t stop.”
Very well deserved and I couldn’t be prouder. Mum has put so much work into this!
Very well deserved. Tricia has been the linchpin and an unsung heroine for the Tameside East food bank helping so many people in need. Congratulations.