ALDI WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA

The Storehouse is a Community Cafe, Foodbank and advice centre for those on the margins of society in Southend on Sea. We deal primarily with those experiencing food poverty whether they are homeless, or simply on a low income. We currently have 4351 registered users of our service, covering 2.48% of the population of the Borough. We gave out 18,622 food parcels in 2020, from an estimated 110.6 tons of produce. This was distributed during the Covid-19 pandemic where In a usual week, we will see on average, 340 people collect a food parcel. The Community Cafe has had to close during this time due to the social distancing measures and cleaning/hygiene requirements, but we anticipating opening again once out of tiered regulations.

WHO WE ARE Off the streets is a group of concerned residents who have got together to get the homeless off the streets. In order to do this we have opened a 7 day a week 365 days a year night shelter for 10 rough sleepers which will stop them sleeping on the street. The night shelter is open 8PM through to 8AM. We look past the addictions and past the front we find out what is the route cause of the problem, What people are interested in, People pasts and where they want to get to we then break it down in to achievable steps. WHAT WE DO We take referrals from HARP Each guest has to sign a 28 day agreement (which we also set 1 to 3 targets on depending on the individual) These targets can be anything from registering with stars to attending a meeting they may have previously missed (we also offer support and can attend with them if it helps put them at ease. During these 28 days we work individually with the guest to achieve the targets set and to move them on to permanent accommodation. This means that potentially we could have the same 10 guests for 28 days Each guest has a list of rules to read and sign i.e. we have a NO drugs in or around the building and this would report in instant dismissal All guests must be in by 9 unless there is a reason then it is up to the on duty manager to make the decision Even when we move someone on the support is still there and we welcome them back anytime for a chat and a coffee as this is the most important time as many guests feel alone when they move on.

The One Love Project is a small charity offering non-referral food and support to the community of Southend and the surrounding areas. We offer support to those most vulnerable within our community, including those experiencing homelessness, food and fuel poverty and loneliness. Everyone who walks through our door is welcomed to our little village, built of shipping containers, on a building site! We have worked hard to ensure we offer a safe, non-judgemental and trauma informed space, which has allowed the team to build trust with our guests, to act as a bridge between service user and statutory services. The aim being to help them access the right support, quickly and effectively, as well as preventing any service users from feeling like they aren’t being heard. The One Love Project is often described as a community by our guests, volunteers and partners. We run on donations of food and money from the local community, fundraising and grant applications. We are not a commissioned service. In 2024, we provided over 25,000 meals/food for meals and support. We run three evening services where we provide fresh food, a hot meal and dessert, clothing, showers and access to vital services such as mental health support, dentist, physical health support, drug and alcohol services, sexual health support, haircuts and chiropodist etc. One of these services is for women only. Wellbeing Wednesday where guests co-produced the session to include arts, crafts, gardening and cultural visits. This session is to increase self confidence and self-worth, friendships and community and have fun. We also run two foodbanks for individuals and families. Here, guests get access to fresh food, non-perishables and toiletries, homeware and clothing. We put on activities for children in the school holidays so they don't feel like they are at a food bank and we provide school uniform for free. We are working on establishing the only non-referral evening foodbank for working families and students. info@theoneloveproject.co.uk