IT IS a place without judgement that has helped thousands of people at their most vulnerable.

Bridgwater Foodbank and its volunteers worked around the clock for the whole of 2020 to help others as the coronavirus pandemic hit the country.

As thousands of people lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic, demand for foodbanks soared throughout 2020 and the effects have been seen across the country.

When the UK first went into lockdown in March last year Bridgwater Foodbank saw a 60 per cent increase footfall and had to adapt fast to make sure those in need could get the support they need.

Phil Jarman, manager of Bridgwater Foodbank, said changes to the foodbank's operations happened overnight and volunteers have worked hard to ensure the foodbank can run as normal.

"We had to reorganise our whole operation when the pandemic hit," Phil said.

"We would usually let out clients come into the building and sit with them so we could discuss their dietary requirements and needs and see what support we could signpost them to but unfortunately we can't do that.

"As a result of the coronavirus pandemic we can't have people inside due to social distancing requirements so we have had to change how we do things.

"We have not had as many volunteers this year due to the pandemic but everyone who has volunteered has been going above and beyond to help as many people as possible.

"We have two or three volunteers who come in the mornings when we get deliveries from places who help to sort through them and get food packages ready for clients and then a few volunteers who come in the afternoon to give out food parcels to clients and sort through donations.

"They have all worked exceptionally hard throughout 2020 to help others and I would like to thank them all for their efforts."

Phil said footfall into the foodbank is up on last year overall and the foodbank would not have survived had it not been for the community's ongoing support.

He said Bridgwater Foodbank joined with local schools and businesses to feed children and families throughout the year and thanked them for their support.

"The local community and businesses have been so supportive of us. We have had so many donations and outpourings of support from the community it has been overwhelming," Phil said.

"We are so grateful to them. Our high point of 2020 was giving people things and making sure they had what they needed.

"During the coronavirus pandemic we joined with 22 schools in the area and worked together to feed 697 children.

"We sent out the food parcels throughout that school network each week during the pandemic. It was an amazing effort by everyone involved.

"I need to thank everyone who has helped us to get support to people in need in our community. The community of Bridgwater is absolutely amazing and never fails to amaze me with their kindness.

"In 2021 we will continue to serve our community and we will be here if anyone needs us. "