Bradford New Church Community Project
Shipley, UK
Bradford New Church Community Project originally set up during covid to help the most vulnerable have access to food. Our main aim is to reduce waste going to landfill unnecessarily, making sure those who are hungry are fed and warm whilst we are open, along with offering local people support with isolation, mental health and poverty
Available daily is surplus foods, donated clothes, toys, household items, in all cases it’s suggested a donation of 10/20p item or £2/£3 per bag (in a pay as you feel manner) from a bunch of flowers to prams, toys to kettles, microwaves, shoes, coats, wellies etc if it’s in good condition we encourage regift, reuse and upcycle, helping people feel like they are contributing at an affordable amount rather than living on handouts
We try promote there is a suggested amount even though it’s very low, we are then able to say it’s donation or free for those who cannot afford it but need it, in turn it limits people taking large amounts not needed, people can also donate more if they choose to and can afford it
Volunteers (24 volunteers speaking 8 different languages help on various days) collect from stores at varying times using thermo/cardboard boxes dependant on types of foods given, within an hour all foods sorted into fridges, chest freezer or cupboards dependent on their types/labels, all foods are given out daily, inedible foods are cut up and composted, leftover foods are collected daily by a local farm given as chicken/pig feeds
Available daily is, free drinks/toast/cereal/make their own meal using kettle, toaster, microwave or toastie maker provided, all people are welcome to sit/chat for as long as we are open each day no drink or food limits if it’s needed, they can have it
Running at present free is Benefit Advice, Family Early Help, Evening Community Meal, Gardening club, Home Ed, BSL signing, Adult craft, Christmas Day dinner, Monthly day trips, Try The Train, Cook n Eat, Playgroup, Toy Appeal
Partnership links offering weekly support - MIND, CFT Trust, CAB, Baby Bank, School uniform bank, Foodbank, local schools, Council, Skills House
The surplus foods is a link into support, we are not a shop, we are a community group offering a whole host of support to help people feel part of society, offering volunteering/groups to lift people’s wellbeing, letting them show support whichever they can give it, in time; ideas; or money, any is enough
There are around 500-700 people attending each month for their own reasons, this has become a valued life line for many people locally, mostly advertised by word of mouth
All monies raised go towards costs of running fridges, freezers, heating, tea, coffee, sugar, bread, milk, volunteer travel costs
All this starts from being able to offer surplus foods, giving people a reason to build the courage to walk through the door for the first time, leading to making friendships, creating community links, knowing support is available, in a safe, warm and non-judgemental environment
What we've received
Meals152,345
Non-food (tonnes)2.50
Volunteering (hrs)Volunteering (hours)1
Money£1,000
SEB mental health support
Bradford, UK
I am based in Bradford North, UK and get approached in confidence via WhatsApp 07403997222, or messenger where I arrange to mee in solicitor offices, meet up group events such as LGBTQ+ or coffee shops.
The clients talk about struggling asylum claims, battling with Sexuality, no income and family issues .
They speak to me for advice, form filling, explaining processes etc such as scholarships and support from DWP, Home office, HMRC rulings and access to food banks.
Unfortunately, the people I have helped so far struggle with what they call ‘embarrassing’ issues and wish to remain anonymous.
I cannot provide pictures, videos, social media groups.
I try to help by approaching food banks, volunteers who may donate some food but I am not always successful.
It is difficult to turn away requests for food and be told someone went hungry .
This community group has been set up to help individuals able to approach me with confidence and if so anonymously to help with deteriorating mental health, such as anxiety, depression and even suicidal tendencies.
I wish to expand my support, I will work from home 24 Hathaway Avenue, Bradford, BD9 6EH.
I will open my inbox , a.ishfaq@hotmail.co.uk and WhatsApp 07403997222
Messenger: Ashi B.
All material will be sent to individuals on their social media platforms and support plans that will help them.
I can provide you snapshots of conversations where I have supported individuals with their consent.
An example is I have liaised with migrant help for an individual who has failed his asylum claim and is in the process of appealing.
A lady who has lost her benefit claim due to loss of custody for child.
Grants, volunteers and surplus food will mean I can hire a small room in my local church, community centre and create a welcoming, safe environment for people to get together and receive advice and help.
I am currently using my own time and money to rush around and provide as much assistance I physically can and this is very draining for me.
I have identified a need for support in the past 2 years for people of low socio economic backgrounds, especially after the cost of living crisis has hit.
With other services being overwhelmed especially government ones with reduced funding.
I request that my passion to help more and more people can be supported by yourselves and I can receive volunteer support, a venue where I can meet.
Printing, computer facilities, currently I have to ask favours or pay to get access. Access to food to help from leaving individuals to starve.
I currently use my own money to buy items and petrol to deliver in some cases.
I am happy to provide a
A voluntary initiative
supporting people from lower Socio Economic Backgrounds, especially those who suffer from poor mental health.
Sign posting, advice, help with filling forms. Outdoor activities, coffee mornings. 121 support is the aim once fully established.
As and when small funds and volunteer hours are gathered.