Foodbanks across Brent got a helping hand from housing association volunteers from Wembley last Friday.

Staff from Network Homes, in Fulton Road, went along to Sufra NW London on August 18 to help the charity create a new garden for children at its base in Pitfield Way, Stonebridge.

Volunteers also visited Brent Civic Centre where they promoted the work of Brent Foodbank and accepted food donations from people, providing more than six crates full of provisions.

Louise Egan, Network Homes deputy company secretary, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to get out of the office and get involved with our local community and make a real difference to those in need.”

The initiative is part of Network Homes’ giving something back campaign which encourages everyone who works at the housing association to spend up to two days supporting and helping charities or local community organisations.

The foodbank organisations welcomed the help.

Michele Lawrence, Brent Foodbank manager, said: “We are thrilled to be supported by Network Homes, and for all the time and effort they put into campaigning for us.

“Brent Foodbank opened its doors to the community in March of 2011 and last year alone we saw a 61 per cent increase in the numbers accessing the service, with 953 food supplies going to children.

“As the need increases, we are even more thankful to generous people in the community who sustain the foodbank and the necessary work it does helping people in crisis.”

Paul Manley, Sufra NW London’s capacity building officer added: “Our garden is currently undergoing a radical transformation from a disused fly-tipping site to a luscious green paradise.

“As a charity, none of this can happen without the invaluable support of organisations such as Network Homes.”