M&S Lowestoft

We serve a no strings attached meal for the homeless and marginalised in society. Our friendly drop in meal takes place on Tuesdays from 10am until 12noon. During the meal, we offer food parcels and clothing vouchers to anyone in need. We look to our Christian values, helping those who need help as Christ would have done, and has done for us. We normally have between 30-50 members sharing a meal with us at our Tuesday sessions, It is a drop in service, so members come at any time between 10-12, and stay for as long as they like.

Woodworks Art Cafe offers arts and crafts and support groups, including cat-therapy, as social prescribing, to relieve the pressures on the NHS and other services. We are open to the public for coffee/tea, cake, toasted sandwiches, pancakes and tayaki's, but also run dedicated arts and craft sessions and support groups (ADHD, Autism, Neurodiversity, Fybromyalgia, LGBTQ+) and seated exercises. In addition to offer private sessions for groups of 10 or more and private parties all with the aim to address mental health, social isolation etc. Some groups are funded whilst others are self-funded or free. The term 'social prescribing' is mainly used in relation to primary care (general practice). It describes the practice of referring patients to social activities instead of or as complementary to more 'conventional' forms of medicine. The therapeutic value of arts and crafts has long been established. Studies shows that art allows people to forget about their health or mental health condition for a while, allowing them to focus on the positive things in their life. Being wholly focused on a craft project can have an effect similar to meditation, which research suggests can help in the management of anxiety and depression.

Northfield Primary Academy is in North Lowestoft, we have 359 pupils on role. Our school is in a very deprived area and we have a lot of vulnerable pupils. We have a fridge and shopping trolley in our foyer for parents to drop off any surplus food and toiletries they have or can take. Unfortunately we are no longer getting any donations. This means we are not able to offer food to families that we know are in need. We are asking if you could kindly donate toiletries and food items to support our families.