Lidl Stockport

Provision of relief of items to vulnerable and disadvantaged families. We now want to launch a community hub but need more funding, help with fridge and a space to fully launch the hub. When this is accomplished we will be able to increase our beneficiary base as well as increase our services. People will not have to wait to get appointments before accessing food. They can get come in everyday we are open to eat.

In 2013 it was noticed that there was a huge increase in the number of individuals and families accessing food banks in Stockport. We wanted to find a way to help before they reached the crisis point of needing emergency food parcels. This where we came up with the idea for Your Local Pantry. Penny Lane Pantry was launched in August 2013. with 150 memberships available. Members pay a small, weekly subscription fee of £2.50 and in return members can select at least 10 items from the pantry's shelves - often worth in excess of £15.00 at retail. The pantry stocks a wide range of goods including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled and frozen, toiletries and all the usual store cupboard favourites. However, the pantry is more than just about food,. We offer local residents the opportunity to volunteer in the shop helping them to build confidence, gain new skills and attend training. 10 people have moved on to full time, paid employment thanks to the support the pantry offers. The pantry holds cookery courses and demonstrations encouraging people to try new things and cook their own recipes from scratch, using all the ingredients from the pantry. The pantry has proved so successful we know how 4 shops across Stockport, supporting over 600 members and staffed by 35 volunteers.

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its roots by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures. We support children, young people, adults, older people and families who experience multiple deprivation such as low income, unemployment, isolation, migration and disability. Through early intervention, tailored support and community-driven activities, we help people build resilience, develop skills and gain independence. Our work focuses on: 1. Advancing education and training so people gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to reach their potential. 2. Preventing and relieving hardship, sickness and distress through practical support, guidance and community-based programmes. 3. Promoting physical and mental wellbeing, helping people to live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives. 4. Championing equality, human rights and diversity so everyone feels valued, respected and included. 5. Supporting young people with mentoring, advice and opportunities that build life skills, confidence and independence. 6. Advancing environmental protection and sustainability by engaging communities in greener and more resilient ways of living. We are proud to be community-led and people-focused, working in partnership with schools, local authorities, funders, national organisations and neighbourhood groups. Each programme we deliver is shaped by local voices and designed to meet real community needs. Guided by our values of empowerment, inclusion, collaboration, innovation and accountability, we’re building stronger, fairer and more connected communities where everyone can thrive.