M&S Dalston

- General charitable purposes - Education/training - The advancement of health or saving of lives - The prevention or relief of poverty - Arts/culture/heritage/science - Economic/community development/employment - Recreation - Children/young people - Elderly/old people - People with disabilities - Other charities or voluntary bodies - Other defined groups - Makes grants to individuals - Makes grants to organisations - Provides human resources - Provides services - Provides advocacy/advice/information - Other charitable activities

- General charitable purposes - Disability - Amateur sport - Recreation - Children/young people - People with disabilities - Provides human resources - Provides buildings/facilities/open space - Provides services - Other charitable activities

As a parish church our aim is to serve the community of Dalston through the drop-in centre and food aid, which is run by a team of volunteers. Currently the drop is open on Tuesday morning and afternoon with the hope to open for more days during the week. On average forty to fifty people attend the drop-in, many of whom are unemployed, retired or on low income. Hot meals are served for a nominal fee of £1 for those that can afford to pay. Those who cannot afford get a meal for free. This project is now in its second year and has become popular with the local community, who not only come for a hot meal but because they get to meet and chat with other people. Every year on Saturday nights through to Sunday morning in the winter months (January to March) we run a homeless shelter in one of the church halls. Meals, hot drinks, clothing and a bed are provided. Many continue coming in search of practical help from the church beyond the winter months through the weekly drop-in centre. The church also run a food aid scheme that give out food parcels to needy individuals and families in the area. This can be accessed at any time by visiting the church or by ringing the parish office to make an appointment to collect a food parcel. There have been occasions where financial assistance has been given for charging utilities such as electricity and gas. All of the listed activities are made possible by the donations that we get from members of the public and members of the church. The volunteer team is made of local residents and church members, who share our vision and passion for a better and equitable society where the needy and poor are not left to fend for themselves. It is our hope that the newly opened Marks & Spencer’s food store in Dalston will be a valued partner which shares our quest to alleviate hunger and poverty suffered by so many in our community on low income.