ALDI ECKINGTON

The Link Community Shop and Hub is situated in the middle of The Stradbroke estate and is run by local people. The shop was opened in 2013 to sell affordable clothing and goods to the community, whilst at the same time generating enough money to fund the building and part fund activities, events and services. The hub is managed by local development workers and volunteers who listen to what people want and need in our area. It has quickly become a community lifeline, offering much needed support, education, activities and advice. Used by all ages of our and the wider community The Link Hub runs with the support from other organizations and local community groups. The income generated from the community shop goes towards funding the following - Support groups( Including alcohol and substance misuse support - Mental health support, Physical, sexual and domestic abuse support - Youth groups - Art and Craft sessions - Healthy eating and cooking on a budget - Employability workshops and Job Fairs - In house retail training - Adult Learning - Social Groups - Gentle Exercise Sessions and Health walks - Advice Drop In (Benefits and housing advice by fully qualified staff and police Drop in - MP and Councillors Surgeries - Community Garden Project - Community Shed - Volunteering opportunity - Mindfulness and self help sessions - Food referral to local food bank - Food referral to local food bank - Food share with Fayre Share Scheme, emergency food parcels available from the hub - Donation of essential items of clothing, furniture, electricals for people in crisis - Trips and outings - School holiday activities for children The Holiday hunger programme included in all sessions As food poverty becomes one of the major issues in our area we are building partnerships with organisations to make a positive impact on this increasingly serious problem. All food donated to us is distributed throughout our community to those who need it most and to local charity organisations.

We deliver food parcels to residents within 6 miles of the foodbank warehouse. We offer three meals per day for seven days. Clients are referred to the foodbank by frontline care professionals. When you are on a low income and have no financial safety net, a sudden crisis such as bereavement, ill health redundancy or marital break up, can leave you unable to feed yourself or your family. Such situations can then deteriorate in to something far worse. New Hope Food Bank works to help people who find themselves in these situations by directing them to relevant agencies. The immediate practical help we bring to the table gives the client and the referral agency breathing space to work together to resolve the underlying problems.

We are a non-profit making charitable company limited by guarantee. We provide good quality affordable childcare for local families enabling them to access work and training. We also direct parents to child development and other services in the local area.