Royal seal of approval gave us a real boost

Support network offers food and health advice to city's communities

- SERENA RICHARDS

KEEPING It Real 24/7 is more than just a foodbank - it's a support network in the heart of Moss Side. The organisation, which started in May 2020, is a round-the-clock service offering food and health advice for all.

Wendy Simms founded the organisation in response to the trauma and inequality the Black community were facing during the pandemic.

"There was a friend of mine who passed away in the house and was there for a time because no one was with her - so I thought 'what can I do?' and so I opened up the foodbank.

Wendy's efforts would lead her all the way to Buckingham Palace. But, back here in Manchester, with tough economic times for ordinary people, the work doesn't stop.

Wendy, alongside team members Chantelle Holland and Janet Fisher, spoke to the MEN about Keeping It Real 24/7 and the difference it's making in the community - from the younger generation all the way up to elderly as the project looks to go further.