M&S Stafford Riverside

We run our humble operation out of a kitchen in the centre of Stafford town. Each week our volunteers take turns to cook a hot, home-cooked meal for our guests, who are growing in their numbers every week. Fantastic homely meals aren’t the only thing on the HOB menu, friendship, support, advice and someone to listen are available to all our visitors, or as we like to call them our friends. Ask any of our visitors and they will tell you, it isn’t a house that makes a home; it’s the family inside it. House of Bread is like a real home; we eat together, laugh together, cry together, share success and support each other in times of crisis.

Signposts Services operate across the borough providing practical support for people facing specific hardships. We operate a foodbank; furniture donation and distribution; information and guidance; some gardening/ decorating help and a weekly lunch for people over 65. Our clients can self refer or be referred by other professional agencies. Please see the website for more details www.signposts.org.uk

Stone Community Hub (“the Hub”) is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of residents living in Stone and the surrounding villages. We have one part time Manager, two part-time Activities & Support Workers, seven trustees with wide experience in the areas of social work, teaching, sport and business, and eighteen volunteers without whom we would not be able to open or operate as we do. Our objectives are summed up by the slogan “Making Lives Better”, with activities falling into 3 main areas: (1) providing a safe and supportive environment for the people of Stone and surrounding villages. (2) combating social isolation – a warm welcome, drop-in, people to talk to, activities; including games, seated exercise, crafts, cookery, a carers support group, hot meals twice a week & refreshments. (3) reducing poverty and its effects – information and referral, ready for work club, a free food bank and two weekly hot meals. Community Engagement: Little Bit of Stone, Stone Community Hub website, Support Staffordshire information and sharing sessions every three months, linking with Stone M&S to share information with local people about the Hub.