B&Q Wakefield

Hi. Our community group was set up back in March 2020 amid the lock down for the vulnerable. From there we set up a food bank & also did shopping for the vulnerable and collected prescriptions etc. We now have referrals from the Wakefield North and have been commended by Wakefield Council for the running of the food bank and the number of local people we have been able to help. We have had radio coverage too which came as a surprise! One of our volunteers was even interviewed on Radio Leeds quite recently. Our social media is covering a vast area and referrals come through Wakefield council for the food bank. The community is also donating. But due the ever increasing demand we still run short of food items. Any donations would be much appreciated and we can move forward in knowing we have the goods for the food bank for the referrals coming through. Thank you from all our volunteers @ Wrenthorpe & Kirkhamgate Assist.

We are operating in a deprived area which has high unemployment and many one parent families who are struggling with every day living. There are very few opportunities for children to engage with other children and enjoy a wide range of activities. We provide Pony therapy, indoor & outdoor activity sessions for children of all ages, inc. SEND children. We also visit nursing homes, residential care home & day care centres with our therapy pony Crunchy. Our aim is help children develop through play and pony husbandry in a safe environment and give them an opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence and self-esteem. Our volunteers are all DBS checked and attend regular courses in safeguarding and first aid. We hope to create a simple menu for community cafe meals from the surplus food and distribute the remainder within the local community from a local community centre. We provide a simple warm meal for the children who attend our pony therapy sessions, now that the colder months are heading closer. Our Sunday pony pals sessions are held in our barn so hot soups will help warm them in the winter months. We run a successful School's Out project during school holidays and we provide lunch and snacks free to the children. We also have rescue ponies and goats.

Wakefield Hospice is here to care for people with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, motor neuron disease and heart problems. We believe that the end of life deserves as much care and respect as any other time. People with serious illnesses can come to the Hospice for a wide range of inpatient and drop-in services, including pain management, complementary therapies and group support. Our priority is to give seriously ill people the best possible quality of life. We also provide services for families, friends and carers, including bereavement support. Our services are completely free of charge, but they cost around £5 million each year to run. We receive only 25% of this from the government-the rest comes from fundraising, and as a registered charity we spend every penny with great care. We’re here for local families because of the generosity of everyone who supports the Hospice and we are deeply grateful for each donation. Any Contribution towards our ongoing costs will be gratefully received and make such a difference.