PEOPLE in need of food and support have another place to turn after a new distribution point was opened.

Swindon Foodbank, which operates in Park South , opened a distribution point at John Moulton Hall in Penhill Drive today in a bid to extend its services across the town.

The opening saw North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson , and Swindon Mayor, Mick Bray, attend the centre, which will open once a week.

Project manager Lee Thompson said: “This will expand our food distribution operation into north Swindon. This will help to reduce costs for those needing our services who live in the area as well as reaching out to more who have yet to use us.

“We are now pretty much covering every demographic group, whether it be ex-professionals that had a business that has gone under, right through to the 18-year-old who has left home and college and doesn’t know what to do.”

The charity aids people who need food and support.

Lee took over from project manager Richard Belsham, who retired at the beginning of the year.

The new distribution centre will be open in Penhill once a week for two and a half hours.

People who need help can get vouchers from various places, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Job Centre and Swindon Council.

“We ask people to go to agencies first to start the ball rolling on them receiving the right type of help,” said Lee.

“The food we provide and service we provide is a stop-gap. We can bridge the gap between starting to get help and the help kicking in.”

Earlier this month, the Adver reported that compared to last year, the charity had seen a 27 per cent increase in the number of people needing its services in the first six months of 2012.

The Foodbank has also seen a 33 per cent increase in the number of children needing help, which Lee said indicates there has been an increase in the number of families needing assistance.

For details or to donate, call 07932 108732 or visit www.swindonfoodbank.co.uk.