THIS is the harsh reality of the pressures facing Merseyside’s foodbanks after it was revealed demand in Wirral has risen by a THIRD.

Between January and April this year, Wirral Foodbank, which runs 15 centres across the borough, handed out nearly 50,000 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis.

That meant a huge 32% more than the same period last year, with around 14,500 of those being given to children.

Speaking this week about why this had happened, foodbank manager Richard Roberts said the main reason was down to the Universal Credit roll-out in the area, which took place in November.

The changes have proved controversial, with the government facing a huge backlash over long delays before claimants have received any money.

According to the facility, half of those using the foodbank say it’s due to the changes and delays to their benefits.

“[Nationwide foodbanks coordinator] Trussell Trust says once Universal Credit goes live in an area, they usually see a 30% increase in foodbank usage over six months, so it’s no surprise Wirral came onto the system in November.

“It’s also the whole environment. As well as prices going up, there’s a whole tsunami of issues facing people. We’ve also seen many on low incomes but in work, that still need to come to the foodbank.”

Asked whether he expected figures to rise like that again next year, Mr Roberts said: “Hopefully not. It does increase a slight amount every year but not to that extremity.

“We would like to say we are closing this time next year but that’s not going to happen. There are still huge challenges for people trying to get benefits.

“For us, a 30% increase means 30 tonnes more food needed. Our volunteers are fantastic, they provide an amazing resource for us, meeting individuals who are often facing disasters in the life – but this added demand does put a stress on them having to secure more food. It’s hard work.”

Based at Wirral Business Centre in Birkenhead, the foodbank employs three part-time employees, and is currently helped by some 300 volunteers.

Mr Roberts said the foodbank mostly helps single people and young families, with donations coming from local churches, businesses, charities, organisations and of course members of the public.

The majority of the borough’s 15 collection points open once a week and some open twice, with the majority of demand coming from the Birkenhead and Wallasey areas.

Mr Roberts added: “I suppose the benefit of having a foodbank in Wirral is that it’s quite a confined geographic area.

“It means we can get support from likes of wealthier areas like Heswall and West Kirby. They donate lots of food to us – Wirral is the peninsula that keeps on giving.

“The big picture is that the whole of Wirral supports the work of the foodbank and keep us going.”

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust added: “It’s hard to break free from hunger if there isn’t enough money coming in to cover the rising cost of absolute essentials like food and housing.

“For too many people staying above water is a daily struggle. It is completely unacceptable that anyone is forced to turn to a foodbank as a result.”

Since 2011, Wirral Foodbank has helped more than 60,000 people across Wirral, providing around 575,000 meals, taking in about 100 tonnes of food a year.

The scores of public donations include one made by a couple of Scouse newlyweds.

Helen Gaier-Laidlaw and her husband Alex made the selfless decision to ask guests at their wedding to donate money to their local branch rather than buy them wedding gifts, with a huge total of £3,800 being collected.

Helen and Alex, who are both from Liverpool but now live in Wallasey, asked for donations to the charity from guests at their wedding, which was held at the Floral Pavillion in New Brighton.

Helen, 46, who works as a manager at an electricity company, said: “It’s a cause close to our hearts. We do a lot of food drives and volunteering drives for them. We have donated a lot over the last couple of years.

“When we came to get married we were a bit older and in a fortunate position and privileged enough not to need any presents, so we came up with the idea of donating it all to the foodbank.

“It went down very well with our guests. People said they thought it was a lovely gesture for an excellent cause. They saw it as giving more than just a gift, so it was very satisfying for them as well.”

She married sonographer husband Alex, 52, last summer, and added: “In today’s day and age you don’t expect in this country for people not to have enough food on the table.

“The fact that people don’t, really bothers me and my husband. We have visited the foodbank and seen the amazing work that they do. It just absolutely breaks your heart to see the circumstances some of these poor families find themselves in. If you find yourselves to be in a fortunate position like this, you should take advantage of it and help others out.”