Starbucks Wolverhampton

The Good Shepherd has had a presence in Wolverhampton more than 50 years. During that time we have adapted and changed our services to meet the needs of our service users but food has always been at the heart of what we do. We believe that the food element of our charity is the magnet which draws in those struggling from financial poverty and hardship then once trust is formed, we can help people address other issues to improve their health and wellbeing. Our vision for the whole charity is by offering clients a wide range of services which they can use whilst attending for a meal or take away will remove barriers for vulnerable groups. We are targeting agencies that support economic self-sufficiency, relieve or prevent homelessness and improve health and wellbeing. Our main client group is rough sleepers and those who are vulnerable or in poverty as well as families in need. With the food service underpinning that help and support, tackling food waste is also something we are passionate about to ensure food doesn’t go to landfill. We have regular suppliers but are also heavily reliant on donations from the public and charitable funds to ensure we can provide wholesome meals - which our clients would otherwise not receive - to meet their daily need. The essence of the Good Shepherd is that providing food and hospitality brings in the most entrenched individuals to our services and helps us breaks barriers and gain trust which in time helps them open up on many issues. It is then we can start to make referrals and get the support needed for them to make positive and sustained changes to their lives. As mentioned, at the Good Shepherd we are passionate about reducing the amount of food which goes to waste. Over a six-month period during 2020 we prevented 25 tonnes of quality food going to waste, instead ensuring it was used within our food service and passed on to our clients. Helping us reduce the amount of food waste are the close and positive working relationships we have developed with food distributors. We work with many local restaurants and supermarkets to ensure we can make use of their surplus stock or stock approaching sell-by date that they know they will not be able to use. We served over 23,000 hot meals in 2023 driven by the aim of providing good and healthy food so that we know those accessing our services were receiving at least one good, nutritious meal each day.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. Our TouchBase Pears centre, in Selly Oak, is a pioneering, multi-purpose project for the whole community in Birmingham and beyond – a place that brings people together in a welcoming environment where everyone can feel connected, included and part of the community. It has: Developed by Sense, TouchBase Pears also offers a range of arts, sports and wellbeing activities for children and adults who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs. TouchBase Pears operates as a social enterprise, with a focus on sustainability and creating value for the whole community.

The Haven Wolverhampton supports women and children who have been subjected to domestic abuse and homelessness. We have five refuges across Wolverhampton housing approximately 67 women and 100 children; though the need always surpasses our capacity. In addition to emergency accommodation, we offer financial advice, children and young people’s services, community outreach and criminal justice support, enabling women and children to rebuild their lives following abuse. Our services benefit women and children, as well as the wider community. We are the only local organisation whose support is focused on women and children affected by domestic abuse, and so provide a vital lifeline to local women in dire need. Our services increase confidence, health and wellbeing and support service-users to come to terms with the trauma they have been through. This support also provides an opportunity to build new friendships, develop practical skills, reduce feelings of isolation and rebuild bonds between mothers and children. Ultimately women and children are supported to move back to independent living, and leave a life of abuse behind for good.