Lidl Peterlee

East Durham Trust is a registered Charity operating in one of the UK’s most deprived communities, the general area covers a population of just under 100,000 which is primarily made up of former mining communities. The Trust is constitutionally charged with supporting people who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Currently, this is achieved through a range of projects and services which include crisis interventions designed to deal with immediate challenges as well as preventative services and those dealing with the wider determinants of deprivation. In the first instance, the frontline crisis interventions include: - A foodbank; providing emergency food parcels to individuals and families facing crisis. - A healthy takeaway service, providing delicious hot meals delivered to the door of local people struggling financially - Benefit support; including appeals against sanctions and PIP claims. The demand on this services has grown exponentially in recent years since the roll out of universal credit. - Debt advice ranging from budgeting support to helping clients to secure a Debt Relief Order. Examples of projects and services of a preventative nature or those designed to support people on the journey out of disadvantage include: - An arts engagement project; which includes young people staging events in local community venues which improves social engagement and builds confidence. - Social inclusion activity, helping vulnerable people to reconnect with their community post covid - Family activities with food, providing local people, including those who access free school meals, with regular positive activities. - Telephone befriending service, with volunteers calling isolated residents up to three times a week for a chat - Emotional resilience training, helping local people to develop coping techniques to support improved mental wellbeing - Covid-19 resilience support, supporting those most adversely affected by Covid-19 including those affected by bereavement, long Covid and isolation. - Employability, providing help with C.V's, job search and training

WHERE WE'RE BASED House of Abundance operates from Blackhills Rd, Horden, Peterlee SR8 4LQ. We're a registered charity serving families across Peterlee, Easington, Blackhall, and surrounding areas. Our church building provides space for worship services, community programs, mentorship sessions, and food distribution. The location is accessible by public transport with parking available. WHO WE HELP AND HOW WE FIND THEM We support working families struggling with rising costs, single parents, pensioners on fixed incomes, young people needing mentorship, and individuals facing job loss or family crises. Our congregation members live locally and bring needs directly to us when neighbors or colleagues are struggling. We also receive direct approaches from people who've heard about our work through word-of-mouth. During Sunday services and weekly activities, we create an open environment where people share their struggles naturally. Our pastoral team builds genuine relationships that reveal needs through conversation and trust. We conduct community listening sessions, walk through local neighborhoods, and attend community events. This face-to-face engagement connects us with people who might not come to church but need support. WHAT SUPPORT WE'RE SEEKING FROM NEIGHBOURLY We're interested in surplus food donations, volunteers, and grant opportunities. Surplus food from local retailers would let us serve more families with better variety. Currently we purchase food through donations and fundraising, limiting our reach. Regular surplus food would free up funds for utility bill assistance, school uniforms, mentorship programs, and emergency crisis support. We need volunteers for food distribution, mentorship, administrative support, and community outreach. Grant funding would help expand our programs and improve facilities. OUR OPERATING MODEL Everything we provide is completely free. Food distribution, mentorship, pastoral care, crisis support. When someone needs help, we provide it. No forms, no judgment, no barriers. Our funding comes from voluntary donations and charitable giving. OUR FOOD PROGRAM We distribute food every Sunday (10:30 AM - 4:00 PM) and throughout the week, serving 15-30 families weekly. Each household receives parcels with bread, milk, tinned goods, pasta, rice, vegetables, and treats for children. For elderly residents or those with mobility issues, volunteers deliver to homes. We have a kitchen with chest freezer and dedicated room for sorting food. We can collect from retailers or receive deliveries. Fresh items are distributed within 24-48 hours. We maintain records of what we receive and distribute. We currently rely on community donations and purchased food. Regular surplus partnerships would provide consistent supply for families depending on us. OUR BROADER WORK Beyond food, we run mentorship programs for young people, provide emergency assistance for crises like eviction or job loss, offer pastoral care and counseling

We are looking for surplus donations to support our community pantry. The pantry is open to the general public to attend and collect items for free and is used to bridge the gap on the wait for receiving external food parcels from other services.