Street dance stars Ashley Banjo MBE and Diversity have pledged their heartfelt support and a £10,000 donation to The One Love Project (incorporating the One Love Soup Kitchen and One Love Food Bank) a charity that helps struggling families and rough sleepers in Southend.

Since winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, Ashley and Diversity have gone from strength to strength and recently performed at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. They contacted The One Love Project after hearing about their support for vulnerable people. The Southend-based charity has seen a sharp rise in the number of people seeking food, clothing, and emotional support in the past 6 months.

Creative Director Ashley, who grew up in Wickford, Essex, said: “So many are finding life such a struggle financially and emotionally and we hope our donation will help The One Love Project continue to help others.

“We have exciting plans for Southend in the longer term, and this is the first step towards us working more with the local community.”

Diversity heard about the charity through their contacts at Kings Road United Reformed Church in Westcliff, a supporter of The One Love Project.

Leah Darby, Head of Operations for The One Love Project, said: “Everyone who comes through our doors has a particular reason for seeking us out and deserves respect: it may be a mother facing crisis because of job loss, poverty or illness, someone with mental health problems who is living rough or someone on a low wage who is struggling to make ends meet and needs a bit of extra food.

“We are so grateful to Diversity, our supporters at the Westcliff United Reformed Church and to our volunteer helpers and everyone who donates food, clothing or their time.”

The One Love Project is not affiliated to any religious or political group and offers a non-judgmental, safe space for those in need.

If you would like to volunteer with or donate to the charity, please visit The One Love Project’s Facebook page. It also gives details about the One Love food bank and support sessions. No referrals are needed by people seeking help.