B&Q Thornbury Road

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

We provide a base for the community to meet and provide support and local resources. We deliver courses and activities that have been requested by the local users in conjunction with our many partnerships. Key services at the centre are our free Advice service and our Nursery which predominantly caters for children on 15 and 30 hours schemes. Activities running from the community centre at present range from yoga to read & write for beginners, kids clubs to teaching 55+ about tablets, smart phones and laptops. The community centre is also a link to affordable clothes, toys and food. This is offered through our seconds shack and our toy table, both always full of donations from people locally giving back. We accept food donations from Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Innchurches and Fairshare. These donations go towards preparing free food for our kids group, free food on Fridays scheme and any persons requiring a meal through the meal referred from Advice or our local Foodbank.

The Thornbury Centre is a community space open to all in our community. We currently offer: - Weekly parent and tots group on a Thursday morning - Weekly arts and crafts group on a Tuesday morning - Weekly Food Pantry on a Thursday afternoon - Spaces to rent for parties, training, conferences, office space Coming soon: - Community Library - Weekly ladies gardening group on a Tuesday morning - community groups and events - Cookery school Our community pantry is run by the Thornbury Charity and its aim is to support those in our community who are struggling with cost of living by providing a subsidised food shop. This food comes from a combination of bought in items, donations from individuals, companies and charitable giving. The Pantry is membership based and is £6 per shop, for around £20 worth of food. Any food collections would be used to offer free food to supplement the food shop offered at the pantry. The pantry is based within the Thornbury Centre and is open Thursdays from 12noon - 2pm. Future plans for the pantry include signposting advice and help for locals. Neighbourhood wardens are periodically available during pantry opening times to offer additional help and support. Our ladies Gardening group and Craft and chat group are aimed at improving mental health, social isolation and confidence within the ladies in our community.