Parish Unsung Heroes: Brian Arthur – Poitiers Care Foodbank

Continuing our Diocesan series for the website called, “Parish Unsung Heroes,” based on people who do things which demonstrate all the good things our faith stands for and live the Gospel in action. The rest of their Parish may not even know about it.

We hope you enjoy reading their own accounts as to why they belong to their chosen group and hope that it may encourage others to join them. So, it is timely with the school summer holidays fast approaching and again high demand on their services, that we have chosen another Foodbank hero, Brian Arthur from Poitiers Care, Southampton.

Your name    

Brian Arthur

What is your Parish 

St Teresa’s, Totton

What organisation do you support?

Poitiers Care

Where is it based?   

St Joseph’s Ashurst

What do they do?    

Poitiers Care is a Registered Charity that delivers food to people who live in and around the wider Southampton area, and who would otherwise go hungry.

We work closely with Social Services and other agencies that refer clients to us for short-term help.   We make 60 – 75 deliveries of food each week.  Our clients include women trying to escape prostitution, parents with learning and management difficulties, families in chronic debt, people with health problems, and many, many others.  Poitiers Care is a Catholic organization and as such will support any person or family of any creed, colour, or background. If they are hungry, we will feed them.  It’s as simple as that.

Why did you choose to join them?

So that I live my faith, feeding those in need

How long have you been involved with the organisation?

12 years         

What is your role?

Manager of the charity           

Do you need any specialist skills or training?     

Experience and a cheerful disposition.

How often do you do this?

Every week    

What do you enjoy about doing this?       

Seeing those in need getting food on the table

If you had one wish to help this organisation, what would it be?         

The continuation of its mission as long as it is needed

How can others join or help your organisation (please include contact details and website if they have one)?      

Update website, talks to parishes, newsletters

Poitiers Care in Ashurst is staffed by volunteers who carry out a range of activities, including managing information, receiving and storing food, collating bags of food, delivering food bags, and fundraising.  We welcome volunteers who can offer one or two hours per week and those who can offer more time as well.  Drivers use their own cars.  No previous experience is necessary, but a willingness to work in a team is essential.

As another holiday period approaches, Brian and his team are appealing for new drivers and someone to help develop their website, so that they can meet the never-ending demand from the local community. So if you can spare some time and help Poitiers Care, please contact Brian through email: poitierscare@gmail.com.

If you are or know of a someone who is a Parish Unsung Hero please contact: communications@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.