ALDI WOLVERHAMPTON - HOWARD ST

The Good Shepherd has had a presence in Wolverhampton more than 50 years. During that time we have adapted and changed our services to meet the needs of our service users but food has always been at the heart of what we do. We believe that the food element of our charity is the magnet which draws in those struggling from financial poverty and hardship then once trust is formed, we can help people address other issues to improve their health and wellbeing. Our vision for the whole charity is by offering clients a wide range of services which they can use whilst attending for a meal or take away will remove barriers for vulnerable groups. We are targeting agencies that support economic self-sufficiency, relieve or prevent homelessness and improve health and wellbeing. Our main client group is rough sleepers and those who are vulnerable or in poverty as well as families in need. With the food service underpinning that help and support, tackling food waste is also something we are passionate about to ensure food doesn’t go to landfill. We have regular suppliers but are also heavily reliant on donations from the public and charitable funds to ensure we can provide wholesome meals - which our clients would otherwise not receive - to meet their daily need. The essence of the Good Shepherd is that providing food and hospitality brings in the most entrenched individuals to our services and helps us breaks barriers and gain trust which in time helps them open up on many issues. It is then we can start to make referrals and get the support needed for them to make positive and sustained changes to their lives. As mentioned, at the Good Shepherd we are passionate about reducing the amount of food which goes to waste. Over a six-month period during 2020 we prevented 25 tonnes of quality food going to waste, instead ensuring it was used within our food service and passed on to our clients. Helping us reduce the amount of food waste are the close and positive working relationships we have developed with food distributors. We work with many local restaurants and supermarkets to ensure we can make use of their surplus stock or stock approaching sell-by date that they know they will not be able to use. We served over 23,000 hot meals in 2023 driven by the aim of providing good and healthy food so that we know those accessing our services were receiving at least one good, nutritious meal each day.

Wolverhampton central SDA church is based in the city centre of Wolverhampton. We are a registered charity for the church as a whole and also for the community services department. The church offers a variety of services for the church members and the community, both young and old. We are an active and welcoming church. The services available and in need of the Neighbourly opportunities are listed: Wolverhampton Central church - Shut in’s, supporting members that cannot attend church services and activities - Community food parcels - Sick and needy - Family support food parcels - Snacks and ‘top up’ meals for low-income family children attending church activities - Support for families caring for looked after children within the community - Support for families in the community requesting help Wolverhampton Central Pathfinder and Adventurer club These clubs run separately and are Similar to that of Brownies, Scouts and guides and offers activities and opportunities to children from the age of 4yrs to 16+yrs. The children and young people that registered with the club are from a mixed background of, church members, the community and children within the Local authority care system. Throughout each session the children are offered snacks and drinks. We have also received food parcel requests from parents of children attending the group, especially around school holiday periods and provisions have been supplied. Community Day Centre The community day centre currently runs weekly, providing hot meals for the elderly in attendance. During the Day centre sessions the elderly attendees from both the church and the community are provided with drinks and snacks, as well as a healthy and nutritional 2 course meal. For those attendees that are on need, additional pre-cooked meals are sent home with them, allowing them access to meals throughout the week. Additionally, meals are delivered to absent members and requests submitted, where possible. Community Services Department/ Advent Soup Kitchen The Advent soup Kitchen takes place every 1st Sunday of the month from 1pm – 3pm. Our target group is the homeless and those who are living on, our below the poverty line. The Soup Kitchen has been running for 11years, relying on donations and good will from church members and other community services. As well as providing the monthly meals, we also provide support advice and signposting. A meals on wheels type of service is also offered to the older members of the community who are unable to leave their homes and attend the monthly soup Kitchen or have specific needs. Regular requests for food parcels are taken and the needs of both families and individuals are met where possible.

New testament church of god (ntcg) is a religious organisation (church/charity/company) the church/charities. Our main objectives is directed towards the propagation of the gospel according to the acts and teachings of the church of God. Willenhall Tabernacle is a community Church. Our vision and mandate is to have the church doors open for everyone in the community. Reaching out to all walks of life, for not just the spiritual word but the physical bread also. We have a weekly Soup Kitchen for the local community where we feed and fellowship with people from all walks of life. Our Church is made of a high nunmber of elderly. It is important for us as a Church to make sure our brethren are looked after during this pandemic. This includes Social distancing visits and calls, video calls to those who have access and weekly checks to see if our seniors are coping with being in lockdown. Due to pride, we have found many members too proud to ask for help. So we do what we can to help everyone that needs it.