M&S Stamford

Second Helpings Stamford is a community food redistribution charity that tackles food waste while supporting people experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship across Stamford and the surrounding area. We collect surplus food from supermarkets, manufacturers and local businesses, ensuring good food is not wasted but instead reaches those who need it most. Through our pantry, community café, food support programmes and partnerships with local organisations, we help individuals and families access affordable food, reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing. We also provide volunteering opportunities that help people build confidence, skills and connections within their community. The support we need most is access to surplus food, which enables us to continue meeting increasing demand and supporting more people. We also welcome volunteers to help with food collection, sorting, distribution and community activities

Parents of disabled children are often thrust into this new, scary and complicated world with no advice, knowledge or training. Without the right support, the time creating precious family memories loses out to the stresses of everyday life and not knowing what the future holds. Little Miracles is ran by parents, for parents, and we aim to offer what we wish we had during testing times - a shoulder to cry on, pointers in the right direction and people to relate to and socialise with - as well as celebrate the small milestones that mean the world. We offer daily activities from our purpose-built play centre, The Spinney. Our centre was built in September 2013 by the BBC's Children in Need and DIYSOS following a massive outpouring of public support for our cause. In addition to daily activities, we employ specialists that provide their services at no cost to our families (as with all the work that we do) - a family support worker, sensory support worker and counsellors. The services we offer include: Recreational and educational activities for young people Comprehensive benefits assessments (and help completing paperwork) Advocacy Counselling and bereavement counselling Low-cost holidays - Caravan of Miracles Courses/workshops from qualified tutors Early intervention services

A Feeling of Wellness at Joan Wake Close Joan Wake Close is an Independent Living scheme in Market Deeping, Peterborough, designed especially for people aged 55 and over. The Joan Wake Close Social Club is a group of residents who have come together to supply affordable meals for other residents, arrange and manage wellbeing events and social activities, and to enjoy each other’s company. Chair Chris has experience in applying for funding, as well as the understanding of how to drive such a group forward. Treasurer Sandra has managed a local pub. Between them, and the other residents involved, they are making sure people are fed, feel looked after and cared for, and feel part of a local community. The group works together to cook meals which are available and affordable for other residents, who pay a donation which suits their budget. The club is very popular and has been certified by Fareshare (Tesco) and Neighbourly (Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and M&S Food Stores). This gives the club access to food and other goods which can no longer be sold in supermarkets. In the club’s first 39 weeks, members have provided more than 1250 hot meals, and saved 10,000.0kg of food which was destined for the disposal. Each month, the club hosts a brunch which has been very well supported by residents and their families. Each Friday, members hold a coffee morning. The local Tesco community champion joins to help serve the treats on offer. It just goes to show what a big impact a small story can have. Tesco and Fareshare are working on a case study to show how well the club has done, and the club itself is in with a chance of receiving an additional grant from Tesco, (decided by a public vote), from 1st April to 30th June. Chair Chris tells us “We are always looking at new, innovative and fresh ways of supporting our small community. One of our main aims was to cook balanced and affordable meals for any resident of Joan Wake Close, and we are doing that, but it’s about more than just a meal, we are helping residents feel as if they belong. Our scheme has been a lifeline to many in the Deepings community and from further afield in the 40 years it has been here. Our lovely communal room and full fitted kitchen gives us the means to try and give something back to our local community.” Housing association Accent Housing, which owns and manage Joan Wake Close, is extremely proud of the group’s efforts. A spokesperson said: “Their hard work and success in getting this initiative off the ground is amazing and it has helped to make Joan Wake Close a happier, healthier, cleaner and greener environment for everyone.”