M&S Ilkley

Bradford New Church Community Project originally set up during covid to help the most vulnerable have access to food. Our main aim is to reduce waste going to landfill unnecessarily, making sure those who are hungry are fed and warm whilst we are open, along with offering local people support with isolation, mental health and poverty Available daily is surplus foods, donated clothes, toys, household items, in all cases it’s suggested a donation of 10/20p item or £2/£3 per bag (in a pay as you feel manner) from a bunch of flowers to prams, toys to kettles, microwaves, shoes, coats, wellies etc if it’s in good condition we encourage regift, reuse and upcycle, helping people feel like they are contributing at an affordable amount rather than living on handouts We try promote there is a suggested amount even though it’s very low, we are then able to say it’s donation or free for those who cannot afford it but need it, in turn it limits people taking large amounts not needed, people can also donate more if they choose to and can afford it Volunteers (24 volunteers speaking 8 different languages help on various days) collect from stores at varying times using thermo/cardboard boxes dependant on types of foods given, within an hour all foods sorted into fridges, chest freezer or cupboards dependent on their types/labels, all foods are given out daily, inedible foods are cut up and composted, leftover foods are collected daily by a local farm given as chicken/pig feeds Available daily is, free drinks/toast/cereal/make their own meal using kettle, toaster, microwave or toastie maker provided, all people are welcome to sit/chat for as long as we are open each day no drink or food limits if it’s needed, they can have it Running at present free is Benefit Advice, Family Early Help, Evening Community Meal, Gardening club, Home Ed, BSL signing, Adult craft, Christmas Day dinner, Monthly day trips, Try The Train, Cook n Eat, Playgroup, Toy Appeal Partnership links offering weekly support - MIND, CFT Trust, CAB, Baby Bank, School uniform bank, Foodbank, local schools, Council, Skills House The surplus foods is a link into support, we are not a shop, we are a community group offering a whole host of support to help people feel part of society, offering volunteering/groups to lift people’s wellbeing, letting them show support whichever they can give it, in time; ideas; or money, any is enough There are around 500-700 people attending each month for their own reasons, this has become a valued life line for many people locally, mostly advertised by word of mouth All monies raised go towards costs of running fridges, freezers, heating, tea, coffee, sugar, bread, milk, volunteer travel costs All this starts from being able to offer surplus foods, giving people a reason to build the courage to walk through the door for the first time, leading to making friendships, creating community links, knowing support is available, in a safe, warm and non-judgemental environment

Share the Care is now a fully registered charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. We are a small group of dedicated friends and volunteers, set up to help underprivileged, mentally challenged, physically and mentally impaired in the community. This has now greatly expanded, as more and more referrals were made, and many cases of needy families and individuals need help. Desperately needed support, donated food, clothing and basic essentials are distributed to the very vulnerable. We help many mentally challenged, autistic, mentally and physically disabled, cancer sufferers and survivors, COVID-19 survivors, children and families at risk. We also support individuals with dependency problems. Frequently Asked Questions.... What premises does your project operate from? Dene Garth Higher Park 120 Kelbrook Road Barnoldswick BB18 5TD United Kingdom How do you identify service users and their needs? Service users are identified: a) by the volunteers out and about making deliveries, b) by referrals from other charities/agencies/contacts c) by potential service users requesting that they also participate in the service. The support given to recipients is in the form of food/clothing/essential items, and comes in the form of frequent and regular 'drops'. With each delivery, the volunteers will assess if the items are being effectively used and whether support is still required or not. The 'size' of the delivery will depend on what items are available on that day (fresh produce is often involved), and the size of the family concerned. Are there any other services provided by your organisation other than food support? Share the Care will also provide clothing/books/essential supplies from time-to-time, where these items are available. Is there a charge for the service(s) provided by your organisation? No, there is no charge for receiving help from Share the Care, although we gladly accept donations from anyone who has the means to contribute. All funds raised in this way go towards the operational costs of running or charity. Do you currently collect surplus food from any other retailers? Currently, no. Has there been local press or similar that demonstrates your organisation's work in the local community? No. Is your project a registered charity, registered CIC, social enterprise or non-profit organisation? Share the Care is a registered charity - registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, registration number 1195174.

We aim to reduce food waste by collecting surplus food from local retailers and distributing it free of charge to the local community. Menston Parish Council have awarded us a grant which covers all setting up costs, and will go towards running costs (insurance, electricity etc) for our first year. We will apply for further funding from local sources, such as Shipley Community Chest, to cover running costs. Whilst use of the fridge is free for everybody, people will be able to make a voluntary donation if they wish. The fridge is located at Kirklands Community Centre, at the heart of Menston, and is run by a group of volunteers. We operate under the 'umbrella' of Kirklands (Menston)Trust, a charitable incorporated organisation. The fridge is open to all members of the community, either to take food or to donate any surplus that they may have, according to our guidelines as to which foods can be accepted. In addition to providing access to healthy food, our fridge brings people together and addresses social isolation in our community. We work closely with Menston pre-school, primary school, churches, scouting groups and charities that provide support to the more vulnerable in our community. Everyone in Menston has the opportunity to become involved in this project, as a volunteer and/or as a user. We will develop the project in a number of ways over time, including community composters, a 'recipe bank' with ideas for reducing food waste, educational activities for pre- and primary school children, supervised volunteering opportunities for the Duke of Edinburgh Award participants, and cooking sessions.