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Steven Crichton, a therapist from Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taf, found himself relying on a food bank shortly after graduating from university. Despite the hardship, Steven and his partner Kat prioritized their children’s well-being, often skipping meals themselves so that their kids would have full lunch boxes. Contrary to his initial concerns, Steven described the food bank experience as far more dignified and uplifting than he had expected.
Steven’s life has been shaped by significant challenges. Losing his father to suicide at the age of six led to years of struggling with mental health issues and heroin addiction. It was through counselling that Steven found the support he needed to turn his life around, which ultimately inspired him to pursue a degree and qualify as a therapist in his thirties. However, the period following graduation was financially difficult. With little income, he faced a few tough weeks before establishing his own therapy business. Today, Steven dedicates time to volunteer with charities including food banks, helping to improve their services based on his lived experiences.
Reflecting on his journey, Steven recalled the long-standing feelings of stigma and shame surrounding his past hardships. After 26 years, it was counselling that changed his perspective and encouraged him to study therapy professionally. During his time as a mature student at the University of South Wales, he began a relationship with Kat, which quickly progressed; by their second year she was pregnant, and on his graduation day, Steven proposed to her.
Steven’s involvement with the Taff Ely food bank has led to meaningful changes. For example, the food bank replaced marked carrier bags with unmarked ones to protect privacy and allowed visitors more choice in selecting their food. Steven explained that these changes promote autonomy and reduce food waste by letting people trade items if they prefer something different. Matthew Stevens, partnership co-ordinator at Taff Ely Food bank, emphasized the importance of reducing stigma around food bank use and highlighted the value of Steven’s insight, saying, “Having that background ensures that he knows exactly what it’s like for somebody to walk through the doors of the food bank for the first time.” For Steven, ensuring others feel supported is a way to give back after the difficult period when he needed help himself
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