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A school in Middlesbrough has launched a pop-up foodbank to help families affected by the roll-out of Universal Credit.

Outwood Academy Ormesby will run the offering for six weeks in a bid to ease the transition for those who will be affected.

Universal Credit is gradually being rolled out across Teesside and replaces six other benefits with a single monthly payment.

Local politicians have warned the reform would be “horrendous” for those already struggling.

Other areas of the country of have seen delayed payments and difficulties with the online system used to make a claim.

(Image: Evening Gazette)

Craig Wright, assistant principal, said: “We will be launching a pop-up foodbank to coincide with the roll-out of Universal Credit.

“We know that Universal Credit will affect our families in our community and the six-week wait especially will mean lots of our families will suffer in that time with a lack of resources.

“We’re launching a pop-up foodbank which will help to meet their needs in whatever way we can.”

The school, which teaches almost 700 pupils, intends to run it every Friday for six weeks at the back of the sports hall from 3.30pm.

Angela Sweeten, principal, said: “We don’t want hungry children.

“We hope that we can get as much support as possible.

“It will be anonymously done so there will be no issue in regard to anyone feeling uncomfortable about coming and getting it.

“We just genuinely want to make sure that the children of this Academy and the children of our local feeder primaries as well are fed throughout the time when money is going to be a significant issue to many.”

Mrs Sweeten said that 65% of children at the academy are on free school meals and the roll-out of Universal Credit could hit families of children at the school.

She added: “Our concern was we will have families with no provision for potentially six weeks. This is about our community.

“Every thing we do is about sustainability, our day-to-day work is about raising children’s aspirations.”

People are now being asked to donate whatever items they can. The school says it is short of toiletries, sanitary products, tinned meats, biscuits, jam, tea and coffee.

Donated items can be brought into the Tothill Avenue school.