M&S Eastbourne

We run a small community fridge in Hailsham 3 evenings a week. We collect waste food from local supermarkets over the weekends and holidays when other organisations are closed. We share with other organisations so nothing is wasted. Now smaller than before but with the same beliefs. Helping around 30 people a week. Free of charge, we are self sufficient.

Our mission is the relief of poverty among the street homeless/rough sleepers and homeless through the provision of items to support basic needs such as sleeping bags, ground sheets, survival sheets, blankets, clothing, food and toiletries. We also aim to improve the individual’s welfare through our welfare and advocacy team.We endeavour to prevent harm to health by referring to emergency and similar services as and when necessary throughout Hastings, Bexhill, St. Leonards, Eastbourne and Lewes. We provide a satellite food bank delivering in excess of 200 food bags a week to rough sleepers and the vulnerably housed homeless. We also have a baby bank and a Vegan bank plus our Homestart scheme, set up to provide those in emergency and temporary accommodation who often have nothing, not even a kettle. We provide these items. We work closely with our local Women's refuges and emergency accommodation hostels and provide books and toys to the children.

'Food4Thought" are a team of people who are dedicated to help homeless and vulnerable people. We help and support those less fortunate in life. Our goal is realistic, to help one person at a time to get back on their feet. The Matthew 25 Mission has a day centre that vulnerable people can access 7 days per week. Vulnerable people get referred to the Mission mostly by other statutory authorities, word of mouth and partner groups. We provide a listening ear and sympathetic pastoral care with information and advice as well as provision of food, clothing and basic necessities. Food4Thought was founded in 2015 as a self-funded community group by myself, Marisa Forte-Ellis. Our Mission is inspired by our personal values to assist in meeting the needs of Eastbourne's homeless/vulnerable/disadvantaged community without discrimination. We welcome our guests with warmth, care and the respect they deserve regardless of age, gender or race. In 2015 I identified a gap on Friday evenings in Eastbourne Town centre. My aim was to provide our vulnerable street community with hot/cold beverages and healthy nutritious meals. This continued on a weekly basis until lockdown in March 2020 when, with the valued support of Matthew 25 Mission and Absolute Angels group volunteers, Food4Thought Friday evening services were re-located to outside the Matthew 25 Mission premises to facilitate safe social distancing measures for both volunteers and guests. This continues to date with the ongoing support of Matthew 25 Mission, donations from family and friends and food surplus donations from Marks & Spencer and Lidl, Eastbourne.