Volunteers who have fought addiction are helping some of the most vulnerable in their community.
‘Curry on the Street’ meets weekly to supply food and a bag of shopping essentials to those who need it most.
Recovering alcoholic James Foy who helped set up the group two years ago said he wanted to make a difference by reaching out to people.
He said: “Our policy is not to judge. We meet every single week without fail. We supply food and even help through the Christmas period. You can see the change in people each week.
"We are more than just a foodbank or soup kitchen. People have moved on and found housing and we are there to support anyone and everyone at any time.
“You will find many of our volunteers have at one time or another fallen victim to either addiction, extreme poverty, mental health problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
“So, they have a greater understanding of the barriers people are facing.
“Volunteers stay clean and then want to help others going through the same situations. We have never felt prouder to work together to combat the issue of poverty and neglect in the local area and we welcome all to come and join in the fight against poverty. We believe that no human or animal should have to go hungry.”
On Thursdays the volunteers meet outside Jack Fultons in Nelson and then on Sunday evenings behind the Keirby Hotel in Burnley. Much of the food and shopping is donated and James also funds it when he can.
The group was honoured at the BBC Radio Lancashire Awards and most recently at the Pride of Nelson Awards.
James said: “It is nice to be recognised. I didn’t believe we would win these awards but then afterwards people said – ‘you deserve it’.
“But these awards are not for me but for all the people who come out to help each week.”
James added: “When you go out in all weathers and volunteer, like ours and many others, they all deserve a medal - we have great team. We have changed their lives in a big way because we listen and care about our communities.”
The group is looking for a permanent home and encourage businesses to come forward if they can help.
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