Lidl Barnstaple Station Rd

We are a charity based in North Devon who seek to work with a range of vulnerable groups including homeless people, those suffering from substance misuse issues, and people with poor physical and mental health. Our mission is to work in partnership with others to meet people at their point of need and journey with them in a person centered way toward a more positive, purposeful and hopeful life. We host a multi agency team who provide an outreach service to local rough sleepers as well as a Day Centre where clients have access to a free hot meal, showers, laundry and to help and advice from the partnership team on site which includes North Devon Council, a Mental Health Nurse, a GP and general nurse as well as drug and alcohol support. In addition to this we provide a range of supported housing options for up to 51 individuals at a time, depending upon their needs and where they are on their journey of recovery.

Apple Tree Farm has been operating since mid-2018, providing educational and therapeutic opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, mental health challenges, and those experiencing social or economic disadvantage. In January 2020 the organisation was incorporated as a Community Interest Company, reflecting our commitment to operating as a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting young people and families in North Devon. At the farm we provide opportunities for children and young people aged 6–18 to engage in practical, task-based activities that help them develop new skills, confidence and self-belief. Our approach is nurturing and person-centred, allowing young people to progress at their own pace within a safe and supportive environment where learning and personal development can flourish. By March 2020, at the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown, the farm was supporting around 40 young people each week through a variety of sessions and was receiving referrals from schools, the local authority, the NHS and other local organisations. During the summer of 2020 we welcomed nearly 30 children through funded sessions provided by Devon County Council’s Small Grant Scheme. During this time we became aware that some children were arriving hungry, often without having eaten breakfast. Through this work the farm has secured additional funding which enabled us to develop a fully operational kitchen with two cooking stations. This facility has become a central hub of activity at the farm, allowing children and young people to develop practical life skills through cooking and shared meals. These opportunities have enabled us to continue supporting young people who are often at risk of marginalisation, providing meaningful experiences that build confidence, independence and well-being. Through our work we have become increasingly aware of the social and economic challenges faced by families in our local community, and we remain committed to providing life-enhancing opportunities for the children, young people and families we support.

We are opening our community pantry located just outside our school premises. We are of the ethos of ‘take what you need and give what you can. We hope to provide this pantry to not only our school community but those who reside near by. The cost of living crisis along with the increasing global food wastage has inspired us to do our bit for the community and we hope this helps those around us to live a happier and more sustainable life. We will also offer surplus food waste collected from local supermarkets and this can be collected from our school reception.