ALDI STROUD

Paganhill Community Group started in 2017 following a very successful street party where lots of neighbours got together and ran a donation only event. We had a barbecue, live music by mostly local people, games for children, cake stall and local charities and who came and helped and joined in with the fun. Following the event a number of us formed a committee and later that year opened a cafe. This is held in our local Maypole Hall on a Friday afternoon. We decided from the start as this was not an affluent area that we would provide all food on a pay as you feel basis. We welcome everybody and a number of residents now offer arts and crafts, majong and other activities. Help and advise is on offer through P3 and Emerging Futures. We are always looking for people to join in or bring their ideas and skills to benefit their community. We now have a hope at The Octagon and run a variety of activities from our cafe and food hubs to bingo and a beautiful community garden. Because we run on donations I have applied for grant funding from few sources which has helped us buy equipment, pay towards the rent of the halls and train volunteers. We are starting to take volunteers who want to work towards achieving something like Duke of Edinburgh award or towards a work skill.

Quedgeley Community Pantry has been set up to provide low-cost food for local residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The pantry can be used by any resident who needs help to afford groceries including fresh, frozen and ambient food, pet food, toiletries and cleaning products. The pantry charge is £3 for 10 items, and service-users also have access to free items that may be out of use by date by up to 1 day.

APT Central is the home of the All Pulling Together (APT) Community Association. We also host within our building a number of local community and statutory organisations. Together through APT we are all working together to improve the quality of life on the Park Estate and within the whole of Stonehouse. At the heart of the organisation are a team of dedictated local volunteers.