Lidl Blandford Forum

The Vale Family Hub started as the Vale Pantry back in 2020. Working with the most disadvantaged families, providing a wide range of affordable food was simply where work started. Our real mission has always been to uncover the underlying issues behind food poverty and work to heal each household find the right help and support and get them to a better place in life. In 2023, we took the bold decision to expand, find larger premises, and operate a Family Hub in order to provide a wider range of hands-on services. In March 2025, our Vale Family Hub opened. It encompasses our Pantry, but also offers soft play, a Cafe, and the space to sit down with families and really help in so many ways. We now offer over 30 activities and sources of help from Debt & Welfare, Early Help, Parenting Support, Toddler Play Activities, SEND Support, Domestic Abuse Support, Substance Misuse, Budgeting, Cookery Education and so much more. The Hub is a happy thriving, warm and welcoming space where people come together, problems can be solved, help is always at hand. Open 6 days a week.

We are an independent charity working for the benefit of those vulnerable and at risk within our community. Our aim is to provide a safe haven for those who need it, with an opportunity to learn new skills, the chance to work and become part of a team, and even to progress into paid employment if this is what the individual wishes. We operate from a premises in Shaftesbury, called Hope Projects. Most of our service users are identified to us through the local mental health team or other things like social services. Since beginning years ago as a Drop-In for others to come and socialize, we have expanded to include a wide range of projects to help people get out and about, learn new skills, and enjoy themselves. Whether your interests lie in cooking, gardening, and bike mechanics we have something for everyone. And we're still expanding! We identify our services use through the local mental health teams as well as things like social services. We do charge for our services however each service is individually priced to fit the job or need. Our steadfast founder Eileen and her diligent staff are always looking for funding for new projects, as well as ideas to fund the current projects. We were fortunate to be awarded a substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund which has allowed us to set up gardening and cooking enterprises, as well as giving the Charity a formal office. The local health authority was helpful in obtaining funding for a cycle repair enterprise which has seen great success. We have also had a interview with the local Alfred news and local magazine to allow the local people to here and see what we do at hope. However, we are always on the lookout for extra funding sources and gratefully accept donations - whether it’s monetary or a bike that's been out-grown. We especially welcome anyone willing to give their time to volunteer. We currently get food donations from Lidl , Aldi and Waitrose. Anyone interested in donating to, or volunteering with any of these projects should contact the office on 01747 851397

A Community Fridge is a social space that brings people together to eat, connect, learn new skills and reduce food waste.