ASDA champions community

Asda champions community

Asda is making a huge difference across the UK. For the last 10 years, each large Asda store has had its own Community Champion.

We are fortunate to have our very own Asda Champion, Jackki, who volunteers at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court. And yes, she is brilliant at it. When someone arrives at the court, they are at their wits end. Jackki knows how to help people facing debt, housing problems, bereavement, and substance use, to name but a few issues:

Why CASS+?

Years ago, I worked for a solicitor and have some legal qualifications so I got the need for CASS+ inside the courts. I met Debbie, the CASS+ Coordinator for Cornwall, when I decided to support the CASS+ Queens’ Award celebrations in 2017. I haven’t looked back since.

Jackki works tirelessly

Over the years, Jackki has supported hundreds of people. She remembers one person who had been in for drink driving, but his dad had died in his arms the week before. Jackki explains:

I’m so pleased that we were able to signpost that gentleman to bereavement counselling. He was a really nice person. My work at CASS+ has taught me that there’s always a back story. I implore everyone to read behind the sensationalist headlines.

Jackki the connector

Jackki is delighted to be helping her community in Bodmin. She understands how everything is so connected:

 

There is so much food poverty at the moment. Newquay is a good example. Many people are employed through the summer months, but when it comes to the winter, we have to employ an extra security guard to prevent theft. It’s really tough for these local communities that are so reliant on the tourist trade.

We need food banks, but they have strict rules. This is why I work with Community Larder where there is a more open approach. I see so many people on the edge. Some are forced to steal because they need to feed their families.

There are many cold, hungry and isolated elderly people. Not everyone has family. Please look out for each other.

Everything is connected. I sometimes see people from Community Larder going through the court. We could save the public purse by reaching out to these people earlier.

 

Collecting for CASS+ Christmas Elf Run

Each Christmas, we visit the CASS+ families with gifts. We’re so thankful for Jackki who will be setting up a donations trolley at the back of her store to collect toys. It will make all the difference to people who are close to the edge. This is another way that Asda is making a huge difference.

Asda champions community

Jackki works hard to join the dots:

I love making sure they find the individuals and organisations to help. This is one of the ways that Asda makes a huge difference. Many people have lost the ability to interact. I’m a great believer that we all meet up in the real world.

I have a lot in common with the CASS+ team – we are here to connect and find solutions. The most isolating and shocking experience can be standing in front of the magistrates just because you got into debt, or stole some food for your family, or went on a bender because your father died. We do need to reach these people before they end up in crisis at court.

A sense of belonging

People aren’t really themselves when they’re in shock. Some close down and others become quite cocky. At CASS+, we’ve learnt not to judge a book by its cover:

I always try to see the true person and make sure they get connected to the right people, no matter what mistakes they’ve made. It’s so important that people have a sense of belonging.

Huge thanks to Jackki and Asda for supporting CASS+ in this unique way for the last six years.