B&Q Edinburgh

A project that redirects food and resources to reduce waste, support people and build community! We collect surplus food and other items from around Edinburgh and beyond, sourcing items from various supermarkets, companies, and universities that would otherwise end up in landfill, and redistribute them to those on low incomes or those living below the poverty line. This includes families, refugees, the homeless, students, and the elderly etc. We also give to community centres, homeless hostels, women's refuge centres, refugee organisations, and other community projects. In addition we have a community café to bring the community together with activities, and provide freshly cooked food with what we have collected. As well as helping with financial and nutritional deficiencies, we alleviate loneliness and improve mental health conditions. We operate from a community centre where the space is also used as a Coorie-in (registered warm space). I was recently awarded a volunteer award, and the community have been so grateful for what Goodies has done so far for those struggling with poverty and loneliness. We identify people who re in need through recommendations from homeless hostels, and other organisations. Also we are very familiar with our community and what their state is. Users of the service are welcome to donate, but it's not necessary and many cannot.

The Community Pantry is a part of the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) SC038325. MAEDT is a community charity that works across Mayfield and Easthouses to provide a variety of support and activities for its residents. We are a not-for-profit organisation that is proactive and reactive to the needs of the communities that we serve. We aim to achieve the sustainable regeneration of our community through addressing the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural needs of the Mayfield and Easthouses Community. The Community Pantry is a part of the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) SC038325. MAEDT is a community charity that works across Mayfield and Easthouses to provide a variety of support activities for its residents. We are a not-for-profit organisation that is proactive and reactive to the needs of the communities that we serve. We aim to achieve the sustainable regeneration of our community through addressing the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural needs of the Mayfield and Easthouses Community. The Pavilion Garden and Café was established by the Trust in January 2021. It features raised beds for growing produce, an orchard, as well as an area for children to play, enjoy and learn about gardening and getting involved with outdoor activities. Situated in Mayfield Park the community café is an ideal place for the people to grab tea or coffee and or lunch. The aim of the Pavilion Café and Garden is to be a place where community members of all ages can go and be a place of tranquility and peace. The MAEDT Community Food Pantry a further division of MAEDT is a weekly support network for local residents. Through a membership programme we aim to provide a longer-term alternative to food banks, which are only able to provide short term, occasional emergency support to families experiencing food poverty. The Pantry is a community food store that aims to help residents “get more for less.”. We look to help and encourage families that need a little bit of support to manage their budgets through these tough times. Residents register to become members and will pay £3.50 per shop per week and can receive goods up to the value of £15. The Pantry will provide Free Fruit and Vegetables, selected bakery items and free sanitary products. The Pantry model is aimed at returning control and dignity to the residents and removing the stigma around food poverty and receiving emergency help. No product in the pantry has an individual price and members can choose the products that they want and need rather than been given parcels over which they do not have any contol. The Community Pantry would be a springboard to allow us to identify the needs of community residents. Giving us the opportunity to offering possible solutions to the challenges that they face. MAEDT also provides a free Recycling Uniform Bank initiative where local residents can swap, share cleaned school uniforms.

RE OPENING OF SERVICES PEP creates opportunities for older and other vulnerable adults in North Edinburgh, reducing isolation, supporting Mental Health, Accessible Community Transport We run 5 daycare clubs for the most isolated of individuals to participate in these community events. The programme is supported by our energetic team of volunteers. We are always looking to recruit new volunteers to assist with our service delivery to assist at one of our days clubs, minibus drivers and passenger assistants ... for a morning or an afternoon.