Gosport tattoo artist sets up independent food bank to help community while his studio is shut

While unable to earn money by tattooing clients, Steve Lowry will be helping out those who need some extra food and support in these difficult times.

Steve, from Stubbington, was sorting through his food cupboard during a house move when he noticed there were various items he either didn’t like or wouldn’t eat - and the idea for the food bank was born.

With help from generous customers at his studio The Lair in South Street, Gosport, Steve has collected plenty of donations of food, toiletries, pet food and more which he wants to make available for anyone who needs it.

Steve, 40, said: ‘The studio is closed down for a month, probably longer. It’s just sat there empty, we might as well do something good with it.

‘It’s just taken off. Just drop me a message, come down and get what you need - you don’t have to meet a criteria.’

Having had to use food banks himself in the past, Steve knows what it can be like and wants to make sure no one feels uncomfortable getting what they need.

Wife Stacey has been supportive of the idea, and wants to help others who are unable to work during this period.

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Stacey, a support worker, said: ‘There are other families who won’t have enough money to get through lockdown.

‘It just snowballed, people have been very generous. He’s going to run the food bank from the studio and people who need it can message the studio page and he’ll open it up so they can choose what they need.’

She added: ‘Steve decided to do something positive during this lockdown period for our local community. We would be very grateful for donations, we hope that we can be a help to the local community during a very hard year.’

The food bank will need a variety of tinned goods, dried food, toiletries, toilet roll and more.

The independent service will be available from tomorrow and anyone who needs support or would like to donate can contact Steve through The Lair Facebook page or on Instagram @scottishtattooerist

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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