M&S Alnwick Foodhall

Situated within a large social housing estate (ex council stock) our building is recognised as a community hub and has evolved according to community need. NCEL runs a number of services and projects from its Hub, known locally as The Stobhill Link; particularly targeting the elderly, disabled, disadvantaged and isolated as well as the unemployed working age community in order to alleviate hardship and provide opportunities for brighter futures for our residents. We have confidential and informal conversations with our clients discussing their primary reason for coming into see us and then are able to offer a wrap around service where we can support them further. - General charitable purposes - Education/training - Disability - Economic/community development/employment - Recreation - Children/young people - Elderly/old people - People with disabilities - The general public/mankind - Provides buildings/facilities/open space - Provides services - Provides advocacy/advice/information In response to the Covid-19 Outbreak, we immediately launched an enabling service, this resulted in more than 90 local people offering their time, energy and fuel to deliver shopping, prescriptions etc. to those who were self-isolating or vulnerable and unable to leave their home. This encouraged our local newspaper the Morpeth Herald to contact us and include an article on what we were doing with the support of our community. We currently have connections with a local charity, Calmer Therapy where we are starting a project called The Bread & Butter Thing also with the Council and their strategic food partnership known as Nourish to tackle food poverty.

We are sending out parcels to people in our local communities NE13. Also covering NE postcodes as well as Northumberland, Sunderland, North Tyneside. if a NEED (condition, illness or high risk) comes in such as an isolated young lady, pregnant with no means to access the stores or family we will support and help with emergency food parcel until she can get her benefits and delivery slot with supermarket, we will also welfare check every client who is isolated. we have a whole row of bungalows of isolated elderly who have not come out since told not to, and not be able to access family as a family are either no longer here or isolated themselves. Support and advice for families with an additional, complex and, or neurological need. encourage inclusion in external activities and confidence to express growth and co-production with all relevant services. reduce family and child poverty in the home and school. reduce and support individuals with mental health and pre-diagnosis in spectrum conditions. encourage volunteer and work opportunities. Mother and babies parcels for pregnant and new mums

About Contact Morpeth Mental Health Group Contact Morpeth Mental Health Group is a Northumberland-based charity dedicated to improving the mental health, wellbeing and quality of life of adults experiencing mental ill health, loneliness, social isolation and other challenges that affect their wellbeing. For over 30 years, we have provided a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment where people can access support, build confidence, develop friendships and become active members of their community. Our services are open to people from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on those who may be vulnerable, isolated or facing barriers to accessing mainstream opportunities. Each week we deliver a wide range of activities designed to promote recovery, resilience and social connection. These include peer support groups, arts and crafts, photography, knitting, wellbeing sessions, mindfulness and meditation, low-impact exercise, social activities, educational opportunities and community events. We also operate a community café and surplus food share scheme, helping to address food insecurity while creating opportunities for people to connect with others. Our work helps reduce loneliness, improve confidence and self-esteem, support positive mental health, and encourage people to develop new skills and interests. Many of the people we support tell us that Contact Morpeth provides a vital lifeline, helping them feel valued, connected and part of a supportive community. As demand for our services continues to grow, we are seeking support in several key areas. We welcome volunteers who can assist with activities, administration, fundraising, community events, driving, catering and peer support. We also welcome donations of surplus food to support our food share scheme and community café, helping us provide affordable food and reduce waste within our local community. In addition, we are always looking for support from local businesses, organisations and community partners through donations, sponsorship, fundraising assistance, skills sharing and in-kind contributions. These partnerships help us continue providing essential services and developing new opportunities that meet the changing needs of our community. By supporting Contact Morpeth Mental Health Group, you are helping create a stronger, more inclusive community where people experiencing mental health challenges can access friendship, support, hope and opportunities to thrive.