Stories

Wed, 01 Jul 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 I needed to use a food bank after graduating - now I want to end the stigma

Steven, who now runs his own therapy business, struggled to make ends meet after graduating.

* Steven Crichton, a therapist from Pontypridd, lost his father to suicide when he was six years old and struggled with mental health issues and addiction.
* After seeking therapy, Steven went on to study psychology at university and graduated with first-class honors in his thirties.
* He initially found it difficult to ask for help but now runs his own business and volunteers at the Taff Ely food bank, where he helps make services more user-friendly.
* Steven believes that "shame and stigma" can prevent people from reaching out for help, and wants to end the stigma around food bank use.
* He has proposed changes to the food bank's service, including allowing visitors to select their own food and avoiding the use of marker pens on carrier bags.
* Matthew Stevens, partnership co-ordinator at Taff Ely Food Bank, says that reducing stigma is a priority for the charity, and having Steven's support is "really important".
* For Steven, volunteering at the food bank has been an "uplifting" experience, as it allows him to help others who are struggling.