M&S Barnstaple

We are one of the many foodbanks supporting people in crisis. We accept food and financial donations in order to provide the service. Our Distribution Centres are staffed by many volunteers. We have seven centres in the Northern Devon Foodbank; together covering a rural area of over 800 square miles. We service the whole of Torridge and North Devon Districts including the areas of Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Hartland, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, and the surrounding villages. Quite a logistical feat! In 2020 we distributed over 125 tonnes of food supporting nearly 12,000 people (4,500 of those were children). That support extends to more than just food; we are dedicated to tackling the underlying causes of crisis not just applying a 'sticking plaster' to the problem. All of our services are aimed at moving people out of crisis and into a place of self-sufficiency. Our customers are normally referred to us by frontline agencies who commit to our principles of ending UK hunger by ensuring that people can care for themselves. Having over 400 referrers helps to ensure that people are getting the support they need in all walks of life. We are also proactive in educating people in food use and nutrition. Our ultimate aim is to see a society where foodbanks are no longer necessary and we will do everything in our power to achieve that.

We are one of the many foodbanks supporting people in crisis. We accept food and financial donations in order to provide the service. Our Distribution Centres are staffed by many volunteers. We have seven centres in the Northern Devon Foodbank; together covering a rural area of over 800 square miles. We service the whole of Torridge and North Devon Districts including the areas of Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Hartland, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, and the surrounding villages. Quite a logistical feat! In 2020 we distributed over 125 tonnes of food supporting nearly 12,000 people (4,500 of those were children). That support extends to more than just food; we are dedicated to tackling the underlying causes of crisis not just applying a 'sticking plaster' to the problem. All of our services are aimed at moving people out of crisis and into a place of self-sufficiency. Our customers are normally referred to us by frontline agencies who commit to our principles of ending UK hunger by ensuring that people can care for themselves. Having over 400 referrers helps to ensure that people are getting the support they need in all walks of life. We are also proactive in educating people in food use and nutrition. Whilst we operate to a high common standard, each of our local centres is allowed to adapt for local needs. For example, in Ilfracombe we have a Community Cafe providing good nutritional meals every Tuesday Our ultimate aim is to see a society where foodbanks are no longer necessary and we will do everything in our power to achieve that.

We are a charity based in North Devon who seek to work with a range of vulnerable groups including homeless people, those suffering from substance misuse issues, and people with poor physical and mental health. Our mission is to work in partnership with others to meet people at their point of need and journey with them in a person centered way toward a more positive, purposeful and hopeful life. We host a multi agency team who provide an outreach service to local rough sleepers as well as a Day Centre where clients have access to a free hot meal, showers, laundry and to help and advice from the partnership team on site which includes North Devon Council, a Mental Health Nurse, a GP and general nurse as well as drug and alcohol support. In addition to this we provide a range of supported housing options for up to 51 individuals at a time, depending upon their needs and where they are on their journey of recovery.