ALDI TUNSTALL

Middleport Matters Community Trust aims to help Middleport become a safe, welcoming and thriving place to live, visit and work. All activities and projects are community led, either through engagement with local businesses and residents, or identifying a need in the community. Our aims are: 1. To bring people together and improve a sense of belonging. 2. To improve the health and well-being of local people. 3. To improve the built and natural environment and enhance the local reputation. 4. To support local businesses and encourage employment and enterprise.

The Lyme Trust is a charitable organisation which was set up in 1974. The Trust provides supported accommodation for people living with mental health problems. We also support people with substance misuse and addiction difficulties alongside any mental health issues. Our aim is provide a safe, stable and comfortable environment in which people can live. Residents have access to high levels of support and a good quality of life. The Trust is part of the voluntary sector and has access to a wide network of specialist support. Volunteers play a large part in the organisation and with their variety of experiences bring a rich cultural element to The Trust. The management team meets on a regular basis with the board of Trustees to report on progress and exchange views.

Chell Parish is one of the top 6% most deprived neighbourhoods on the CUF scale of social deprivation, The number of families claiming benefits is approx 25% higher than the national average, With the majority of the area made up of social housing. Education levels are well below the national average. The need for practical ongoing support has existed for a long time in this area and we are now trying to plug this gap with the agencies who work with us offering free advice and support to anyone who comes to Chell Parish Pantry. Both financial and practical items are needed to ensure the continuation of this work & all donations are very much welcomed Over recent months we have offered practical support which has been very much needed by our community, which includes; MTots Group- A parent and toddler group Families attending can access additional support by way of practical and emotional support by the Carers for each other. Uniform Bank – Chell Parish in the past has operated a Uniform bank which mainly runs over the summer holidays. Last year we clothed over 100 children with all the uniform items they required as well as coats, bags and shoes. Christmas Food Hampers – At Christmas we distributed free food hampers to families identified as been in need of additional support. Emergency Food Parcels – as ongoing support we make up and deliver emergency food parcels to families in our parish. Referrals can come from other church support groups, schools, social workers, or simply through the work we do. We also offer toiletries nappies, and children’s clothes as well as emotional and practical support and signposting where required. We offer a free warm place for the community to meet when they come to Chell Parish Pantry; everyone receives free hot drinks and free refreshments which are designed to further develop community cohesion as our Church Hall is the last remaining place for the Community to meet in Chell. As our logo says - we offer free food, without any charge and all are welcome - we ask for no referrals. Outreach in the community Support – we aim to be available to help all families in the parish when they require support whether it is an emergency or ongoing help. We offer a range of practical ways to support through the various initiatives as well as through emotional support. We are just a phone call/text message/facebook message away for any family that may need us.