A food bank hopes to recruit a 'compassionate and driven' individual to lead an 'exciting' project and reduce isolation.

Hexham-based West Northumberland Food Bank, which provides the area with food parcels and signposts users to other support services, is recruiting for the new outreach worker position.

The job involves delivering one-to-one support through the charity's helpline and the successful applicant will lead the project to discover if it can reduce isolation. 

The food bank has supported people in hardship since 2013 and last year supported nearly 1,000 adults and more than 580 children experiencing poverty.

READ MORE: Number of people using food banks in Northumberland nearly doubles in just one year

The job description states: "We are looking for someone to join our team and deliver an 18-month pilot project to see if Outreach Support can help to reduce isolation and improve the well-being and finances of people accessing West Northumberland Food Bank."

Sam Gilchrist, the food bank's project manager, explained the importance of the charity's helpline. She said: "Our Helpline team speak with over 100 households a week. Alongside organising food parcels, they also point people in the right direction for other sources of help such as debt and money advice, mental health support or community projects in their own neighbourhoods.

"This Helpline support works really well for most people but for some, it can be really difficult and overwhelming to access other services on their own.

"Our outreach worker and team of volunteers will provide one-to-one support connecting people with other services, for instance helping people make those difficult phone calls to sort out paying bills, or walking through the door at CAB (Citizens Advice Bureaux) with people to ask for advice, or through the door of a project in their own community they find difficult to do on their own.

"We're looking for a compassionate and driven individual to join our team and spearhead an exciting year-long pilot project. The new role of Outreach Support marks a significant step in our efforts to reduce isolation, boost well-being, and improve circumstances for the individuals accessing our food bank services.

"As the backbone of this project, you will transfer the valuable support we provide through our Helpline right into the heart of the community, offering a lifeline of crucial support.

"Our goal is clear: to alleviate the harsh effects that poverty can have, such as social exclusion and poor mental health. If you're as excited by this opportunity as we are and would like to learn more, email sam.gilchrist@westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk," Ms Gilchrist added.