Lidl Paignton White Rock Way

Paignton Community Larder operates from Southfield Christian Centre, Cecil Road, Paignton. The premises provide space for our food bank, Social Supermarket and a welcoming café-style area where people can have a hot drink, talk to volunteers and receive information or signposting to other services. Our services include emergency food parcels for individuals and families in financial hardship; a Social Supermarket providing affordable access to a range of food; fresh and surplus food when available; delivery of food parcels where required; and a welcoming community space offering hot drinks, conversation and informal support. We also provide toiletries and other essential items when available and signpost people to relevant local services and organisations. People requiring emergency food support are generally referred to us by local organisations and agencies, including Torbay Community Helpline, Torbay Council, schools, health and support services, and other community organisations. When someone accesses our Social Supermarket, we complete a financial assessment with them to establish their circumstances and level of need. Supporting evidence, such as recent bank statements and proof of income or benefits, is requested. We recognise that completing forms or providing documentation can sometimes be difficult, so our volunteers can assist with the process. The social supermarket is a separate service and charges apply for accessing it. However, the social supermarket does not have access to, or distribute, any donated food. All food supplied through the social supermarket is sourced separately from donations. We also identify wider needs through conversation. Our aim is to provide a friendly and non-judgemental environment where people feel comfortable discussing difficulties they may be experiencing. Where appropriate, we signpost people to other organisations for additional support. There is no charge for emergency food parcels or the support provided by the Community Larder. ​Surplus food donations are distributed through our Community Larder and emergency food parcel service and are not used within the Social Supermarket. Donations are used to supplement our existing food stocks and, where appropriate, are included in food parcels for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Fresh and short-dated items are distributed as quickly as possible to ensure they are used safely and to minimise food waste. Surplus donations enable us to provide a greater variety of food, including fresh produce and bakery items, and help us support more people within our local community. They also reduce pressure on household food budgets while ensuring that good-quality surplus food is put to beneficial

PATH Torbay is a local community, non profit charity. We are run and supported totally by volunteers. We help those who find themselves homeless. Path also support individuals and families at risk of homelessness, vulnerable or in crisis. We also offer support to individuals and families in food poverty across Torbay. PATH provides a food bank, evening hot food and supplies. We signpost to all local responsible charities and local authority services. PATH is also part of the Torbay food Alliance and works in partnership with all other food banks in our local area.

CentrePeace has now been open for 9 years and has become firmly established in the community. We have a free counselling service, offer emotional support, crisis support and signposting where required. We also have free art and craft groups, workshops and holistic therapies. The warm heart and vibrant hub of CentrePeace is our community cafe where we provide affordable, home cooked, nutritious vegetarian lunches. The income from the cafe (and also our in-house charity shop) pays the rent and all the bills so we are able to remain self-sufficient and provide essential support in the community. Our team of volunteers are able to work in the shop and cafe and gain valuable work experience as well as boosting their confidence and self esteem. Many of our regular visitors in the cafe may never normally have the opportunity to have home-cooked food and they have come to depend on our services here. Many friendship groups have been formed over lunch and coffee! These people have often been lonely and isolated and now have a place they can come and feel safe and valued. CentrePeace is open for 6 days a week and is run by a small team of 3 part-time paid staff and a team of volunteers.