Help the Hungry: Phoebe Waller-Bridge hits the road on our ‘rescue mission’ for the vulnerable

‘Fleabag’ star joins as The Felix Project faces a deepening food crisis

In a bustling depot in north London filled with donated food, Phoebe Waller-Bridge compared the work of The Felix Project to “a rescue mission”.

In a narrow sense, she was referring to the cauliflowers that volunteers had rescued from rotting in a farmer’s fields. But during her time volunteering with us, it gradually became evident that she was also right in a broader sense. The Independent’s appeal, in partnership with The Felix Project, is rescuing people on a daily basis from an invisible hunger crisis.

Phoebe contacted me after reading about our campaign and asked how she could help. A few days later, the Fleabag star was stacking cherry tomatoes in the back of a Felix delivery van, before tentatively climbing into the driver’s seat. “I’ll see you there – hopefully,” she added nervously.

Our destination was Haringey Play, a community centre and play association for children and families. Before, it was best known for its adventure park, which is a delight for local children. Now it serves as a vital lifeline for residents in the most deprived part of the borough.

While the adventure park itself has closed, its staff remain in contact with the 387 children on their register. Director Sereena Keymatlian explained that they realised they needed to provide more than just a playground when children used to turn up and ask for food before joining their friends on the slides.

With Felix’s help, they are able to provide food for about 100 families weekly, in a ward that is among the five per cent of most deprived areas in the country. The queue often stretches around the block. “The food that Felix is giving us goes quickly,” Sereena added.

While collecting yoghurt and fresh fruit, Phoebe and I spoke to Anabela, a single mother of three who volunteers at the centre when she can. “Many people in the area have lost work since the coronavirus,” she told us. “This place helps a lot. In the first weeks of the lockdown, supermarket shelves were nearly empty.”

As a carer for her youngest son who has complex needs, she has felt the pressure more than most.

Jobless Simone is locked down with five children in a two-bedroom flat (Lucy Young)

We also met Simone, who is locked down with five children in a two-bedroom flat. She is unable to find work and feels trapped at home. “Sometimes I have to sit in the bathroom and close the door to have a breather,” she confided. She has suffered from depression and anxiety, and for her the Felix food deliveries are a lifeline.

After the crisis is over she hopes to start a career in childcare. “I love you on TV by the way,” she beamed at Phoebe.

The Independent has committed to raise a fund of £10m to provide food for three years for organisations and individuals like those Phoebe and I met. With our support, The Felix Project will be able to respond to the figures we reveal today – that more than one in 10 London households has already experienced hunger during lockdown.

Paul comes from one such family. His partner is a key worker, a cleaner at a railway station, and he has to stay at home to look after his six-year-old son. They receive working tax credits and their extended family is also staying with them. “Without this service, where does the next meal come from?” he said.

Despite the current situation, Haringey Play is planning ahead. A new treehouse and zipline will go up next year. Future generations of local children will be able to play. Yet for many people, getting through this crisis is the only thing on their minds.

Simone remains upbeat, telling us that she and her girls look forward to the arrival of The Felix Project in Haringey each week.

She reaches out to hug Phoebe, before stopping herself. “Every time they come, I say thank you so much.”

Evgeny Lebedev is a shareholder of The Independent and Evening Standard

The Independent is encouraging readers to help groups that are trying to feed the hungry during the crisis – find out how you can help here. Follow this link to donate to our campaign in London, in partnership with the Evening Standard.