For the last six months the Bethnal Green store directors at Specsavers have been donating monthly supplies of rice to their local foodbank.
The Good Shepherd Mission provides food parcel donations to those most in need across the community. The Mission which has a Christian faith focus provides support to people of all backgrounds who are struggling with the ever increasing cost of living and the subsequent impact on their weekly food bill.
Being part of the community for the last three years, Specsavers Bethnal Green store partners, Neeraj Tripathi and Mahul Patel have witnessed first-hand the weekly queues outside their local foodbank.
‘We wanted to make a difference,’ commented retail director Neeraj. ‘Last December we started donating key essentials, since February we have been providing 50 monthly bags of rice, equivalent to around £100 to the foodbank, who inform us that it’s really valued by the families and people they support.’
With recent findings released by The Trussell Trust1 emergency food provision has risen by over 51% during the last five years. Across the UK, the charity distributed over 2.9 million emergency food parcels during 2024 to 2025, with over 1 million being distributed to children.
Sally Dixon, Good Shepherd Mission Treasurer says: ‘The monthly donations we receive from Specsavers Bethnal Green is invaluable as it is helping to support over 50 families in the community.
‘As a charity we rely on donations to help those vulnerable people who are struggling. We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people visiting us each week, so we really value all donations as they help us to continue to provide individuals and families with key essentials.’
In-store at Specsavers Bethnal Green there are posters raising awareness of this initiative. If you would like to support The Good Shepherd Mission charity, then do leave a review following your store visit for a sight or hearing test, contact lens or glasses fitting or anything else.
If you would like to check if your eyesight or hearing is in tip top condition, you can call the team at Specsavers Bethnal Green on 020 7324 7520. You can also book an appointment online at either: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/bethnalgreen
During an eye test, Specsavers' optometrists will assess your vision as well as check the overall health of your eyes so it’s important to have regular sight tests, even if you aren’t experiencing any eye issues or symptoms.
For those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service covering more than 90% of the UK – with more details available at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests.
For more information or to speak to a Specsavers expert please contact:
Philippa Bassett
Tigerbond Group Ltd
Specsavers Client Manager
07704 536 170
