ALDI

Our project started by simply distributing surplus food to people in need. Slowly our network got bigger that we could not knock on each door on our list anymore, so we agreed I park at one point everyday after collection, and people come to take food. At first people were reluctant to come out of their houses, specially after many recent crimes that happened in Parry road. But slowly people started having the trust to come out and have small chat, and in few weeks all the community were waiting for the slot to distribute, only to meet and have small chat. One lady told me I lived at my address for over 15 years, and this is the first time I know who are my neighbours. We created whatsapp group where I post photo of the food collected, and people get notified so they come and wait. Then we added on the group posting unwanted clothes or furniture, and people welcomed the idea and used it a lot. Now the charity who was giving us the slots ended, people were sad. First they were relying financially a lot on this food, and 2nd they stopped coming out and gathering for chats when taking food. People and children are stopping me in the streets to ask me why we stopped or when we are coming back. I can provide more than 50 family contacts, and I can provide extract of the group chats as testimonial of our work for the last few years. In the last year our group expanded a lot. Many people volunteered, we have in total 23 volunteers who are reaching more areas, more people in need, and more charities. We distribute in weekly basis to Lebanese welfare community in Kilburn, to al Nour Arabic school, Mozart street hostel for homeless. One of our volunteers works in care home in Maida Vale and she takes sandwiches and cakes to elderly people who waits for it. Also we do distribute in Harrow road near Zagros where many people who are in need gather evening. We give to Emmanuel Pantry Harrow road 2 days a week. We distribute to Avenues club in Third Avenue, and to the food bank in Queenspark Primary. Our group is always open to anyone who wants to join. People from the group always send me messages to add more people they know or they just met and they believe they need those donations. Our group currently has 70 members, who some of them also take to people they know.

A project that redirects food and resources to reduce waste, support people and build community! We collect surplus food and other items from around Edinburgh and beyond, sourcing items from various supermarkets, companies, and universities that would otherwise end up in landfill, and redistribute them to those on low incomes or those living below the poverty line. This includes families, refugees, the homeless, students, and the elderly etc. We also give to community centres, homeless hostels, women's refuge centres, refugee organisations, and other community projects. In addition we have a community café to bring the community together with activities, and provide freshly cooked food with what we have collected. As well as helping with financial and nutritional deficiencies, we alleviate loneliness and improve mental health conditions. We operate from a community centre where the space is also used as a Coorie-in (registered warm space). I was recently awarded a volunteer award, and the community have been so grateful for what Goodies has done so far for those struggling with poverty and loneliness. We identify people who re in need through recommendations from homeless hostels, and other organisations. Also we are very familiar with our community and what their state is. Users of the service are welcome to donate, but it's not necessary and many cannot.

We are called Connecting All Communities, a not for profit organisation based in East London of Hackney. CAC aims to tackle segregation and persuade community cohesion to celebrate our similarities and accept our differences to understand and to apperciate individual uniqueness. We are have been providing food parcels and cultural hot meals to residents in and around Hackney. Since the cost of living has increased the demand of our services triples. We would be really greateful to have wonderful volunteers who are able to help us to help others in many different ways such as collecting and delivery our food parcels and cultural hot meals to people who are unable to come to our centres. We also be thankful for volunteers who can help us work behind the seen at the confort of their own homes Although we are registered at Pembury Community centre, we are delivering most of our activities, programs and projects at Banister House community centre in Homerton area. Our work is not only around food but there are many different tasks that we deliver everyday. We are mainly working from home on voluntery based. We would kindly appreciate if you could kindly give back just a little bit of your time, skills and knowledge to the local communities.