M&S Dulwich

The Community Fridge project is aimed at reducing food wastage amongst food retailers and householders in the local area, whilst simultaneously supporting the local community by providing food at no charge. In doing to the project also provides employment, training and volunteering opportunities for local people and builds trust and a spirit of sharing within the community. The Albrighton Community Fridge can be found in the Albrighton Community Centre, Camberwell. It is open to members of the public on from Tues - Thurs from 1pm. It works on an honesty basis. There is also a second fridge where food is held specifically for organisations and charities which help vulnerable people locally. Alongside the fridge can be found a Community Cooking kit. The kit operates like a library with items such as blenders, rice cookers, slow cookers and vacuum packs on loan for week-long periods. The library intends to help local households without the means or space to own such items. The items were picked for their ability to support with food waste reduction. It is the first of its kind and you can sign up at the Albrighton Centre reception. On occasion the fridge hosts cooking workshops and other skills sharing events. We are always looking for food donations from local retailers and individuals and volunteers to support with the running of the fridge. The Albrighton Community Fridge is a part of the Hubbub Community Fridge Network.

This project supports the fantastic work that Palmer House does for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. I have been collecting food for this purpose for some ten years! Based in Croydon, Palmer House supports 60 single people up to 65 years of age with complex needs including experience of homelessness or rough sleeping, substance misuse and mental ill health. Customers are referred to Palmer House by the London Borough of Croydon and stay up to two years. The charity empowers them to make decisions about their support, including choosing their Support Worker. This person centred approach enables customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. The team at Palmer House believes customers can move beyond their current support needs and achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities. Whilst at Palmer House, customers engage in developing life and independent living skills including developing routine and structure, fostering positive relationships, healthy eating and cooking.

We aim to help the older generation with not feeling isolated and encouraging them in socialising with other members of society in the same position. Helping vulnerable adults with mental health concerns, encouraging them to interact with others and enabling them to feel part of the community and centre.