Lidl Bishops Cleeve

We are a small, enthusiastic group who are experienced with store to door surplus food collections. The group has been set up to help in tackling hunger and food waste. Surplus food is collected from local supermarkets that we partner with and redistribute to those that can benefit. We have been assisting local families in the Cheltenham and surrounding areas and there is no charge for what our group provides. Our volunteers give up their spare time during the day and also into the evenings going out of their way to help others and always with a smile. Due to the donations that we are currently receiving there is no means testing and we provide by way of care parcels. We assist families who are currently going through crisis due to job loss, ill health and on low income. There is no judgement and we believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. At times there are excess amounts of one food item and after supplementing the care parcels we will distribute to large groups of people that can make use of these such as key workers, breakfast clubs or schools. We believe in these times affected by the cost of living crisis that no good food should be wasted and instead given to those that can make use of it.

We provide a warm, safe space, whilst aiming to alleviate poverty, hardships, and social and emotional distress, where everyone is treated with respect. We welcome vulnerable adult guests from all backgrounds and situations – no referrals needed and no questions asked. Each day our main activities include providing around 80 guests with essentials such as: breakfast, a 2-course hot lunch, showering facilities, an opportunity to launder and dry clothes, new clothing and social interaction. We also offer access to: housing charities and services such as P3, addiction assistance including ‘Change Grow Live’, Citizens Advice sessions, WI-FI, laptops and phone charging. In addition to all of this, we offer a range of planned activities, some of which include: bingo, arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, quizzes, cinema trips, walks and reading. We also provide food parcels to those living on the streets, aligned to dietary requirements and convenience of recipient.

We provide a community pantry that provides a safe environment for people to come and do their weekly shopping for £4, Alongside the Pantry we run a community cafe Community allotment, job hub, digi hub, weekly parent carer coffee morning, SEND specific youth clubs and detached and in place youth groups. Our aims are: to help reduce social isolation working with people of all ages reduce food insecurity provide safe and meaningful youth work within our communities