B&Q Barnstaple

The aim of our company is to create community cohesion, enhance the skillsets within the community whilst supporting and educating families in achieving the birthing and parenting goals, regardless of the barriers that they may face. We offer a safe, supportive space for families to skill-share, gain research based information and support and ultimately make decisions that are right for them and their families. We offer a range of antenatal, postnatal and parenting courses all within our purpose built Family Centre with under 5's play cafe and New to You’ shop with integrated Bank and Hygeine Banks. We collect and distribute food, hygeine and household items from supermarkets via their surplus schemes directly to families within our local community. This support offers an immediate positive impact to families by relieving pressures around the cost of living. There is never a charge for anything from surplus food distribution or from the Baby or Hygiene Banks. Our food hygiene inspection was carried out in March 2025 with a 5 star rating. The FSA website is yet to update their website as of 27th March 2025. Our CIC offers something for all families within our community.

Apple Tree Farm has been operating since mid-2018, providing educational and therapeutic opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, mental health challenges, and those experiencing social or economic disadvantage. In January 2020 the organisation was incorporated as a Community Interest Company, reflecting our commitment to operating as a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting young people and families in North Devon. At the farm we provide opportunities for children and young people aged 6–18 to engage in practical, task-based activities that help them develop new skills, confidence and self-belief. Our approach is nurturing and person-centred, allowing young people to progress at their own pace within a safe and supportive environment where learning and personal development can flourish. By March 2020, at the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown, the farm was supporting around 40 young people each week through a variety of sessions and was receiving referrals from schools, the local authority, the NHS and other local organisations. During the summer of 2020 we welcomed nearly 30 children through funded sessions provided by Devon County Council’s Small Grant Scheme. During this time we became aware that some children were arriving hungry, often without having eaten breakfast. Through this work the farm has secured additional funding which enabled us to develop a fully operational kitchen with two cooking stations. This facility has become a central hub of activity at the farm, allowing children and young people to develop practical life skills through cooking and shared meals. These opportunities have enabled us to continue supporting young people who are often at risk of marginalisation, providing meaningful experiences that build confidence, independence and well-being. Through our work we have become increasingly aware of the social and economic challenges faced by families in our local community, and we remain committed to providing life-enhancing opportunities for the children, young people and families we support.

We are a larger than average primary school in rural North Devon. Sustainability is one of our key curriculum drivers and we are making every effort to raise awareness and reduce waste. We are keen to partner with supermarkets to make use of their surplus produce in order to save this food going to waste but to support our children and families. In addition, the hub will be supporting families by providing an outlet for second hand uniform and facilitating regular book and toy swaps.