Support That Goes Further: How Tynedale Carpets Is Helping Us Deliver More Than Food

When people reach out to us for food support, it’s rarely just about food. Struggling to put meals on the table is often part of a much bigger picture — living in cold, unfurnished homes and making impossible choices just to get by. That’s why our Hardship Awards exist: to meet people where they are and provide support that helps them move toward better circumstances. 

One of the biggest challenges we see is the lack of basic flooring in people’s homes. Our Chief Executive, Sam, recently joined the vans for deliveries and was struck by just how many homes were missing even the most essential comforts. “I was shocked at how many homes we delivered to didn’t have any flooring in the hall. I could feel the cold air from the doorstep. I’m really worried that many won’t have flooring in the living rooms or bedrooms and must be living in very cold conditions.” 

This is where local businesses, like Tynedale Carpets, step in to make a difference. Shaun, who runs Tynedale Carpets, has been an incredible partner, supporting the food bank in a number of ways; sometimes donating carpets, sometimes fitting them free of charge, and sometimes for a very small fee. Over the past few years, he has helped multiple households in crisis by fitting carpets that make homes warmer and more comfortable, helping to ease the strain.  

If you don’t help, who’s going to?” There’s not always someone to step in, and people fall through the gaps when they really need help.

Shaun Joyce, Tynedale Carpets

Shaun explained that after three decades in the trade, he’s seen people from all walks of life — from rags to riches. He knows how easily circumstances can change. “I’ve got four kids, and I know that sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. The reality is that at some point, most of us will hit hard times.” 

For Shaun, it’s simple — if everyone gave just a little, it would go a long way.  He sees using his trade to help others as “doing his bit” to help people who need it.

Martin's Story

* Names and photos are changed to protect our recipients' identities.

One of those people was Martin, a 65-year-old cleaner with a heart condition who was struggling to heat his home. His property had storage heaters, but with no carpets in his hallway or bedroom, he avoided turning them on because of the cost. Shaun remembers meeting him: “The place was freezing. He was inside his house wearing a coat, with no electricity or heat on. From a mental health perspective, that’s not good.” 
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When we arranged for Shaun to measure up and fit carpets, his home immediately became warmer and more comfortable. This simple change made a world of difference to Martin, and it’s thanks to partnerships like this that we can step in when other support systems fail.

​Your can listen to Martin's story in his own words here.​

The Bigger Picture 

Our Hardship Awards help bridge the gap when people are left waiting for support or struggling to navigate complex systems. Whether it’s a single mother who had to flee domestic violence and start over in an unfamiliar house or someone moving from homelessness into an empty flat, we make sure they’re not facing these challenges alone. 

Food is just one part of what people need. The reality is that many are living in cold, bare spaces without the essentials that make a home liveable. Thanks to Shaun and other partners who work with us, we’re able to provide practical, immediate support that makes a real difference. 

Local Business Support

Our partnership with Tynedale Carpets is a perfect example of how local businesses can make a real difference in their own way. Some donate food or provide financial support, others offer services, resources, or practical support that directly benefits people in need. Shaun’s contribution is hands-on — using his skills to provide practical support and comfort to those facing hardship. Partnerships like this show the many ways people and businesses can step up to support their community, whether through time, expertise, or resources. If you or your business would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us.​