The Co-operative Food - Salisbury, Kelsey Road

We are an independent charity working for the benefit of those vulnerable and at risk within our community. Our aim is to provide a safe haven for those who need it, with an opportunity to learn new skills, the chance to work and become part of a team, and even to progress into paid employment if this is what the individual wishes. We operate from a premises in Shaftesbury, called Hope Projects. Most of our service users are identified to us through the local mental health team or other things like social services. Since beginning years ago as a Drop-In for others to come and socialize, we have expanded to include a wide range of projects to help people get out and about, learn new skills, and enjoy themselves. Whether your interests lie in cooking, gardening, and bike mechanics we have something for everyone. And we're still expanding! We identify our services use through the local mental health teams as well as things like social services. We do charge for our services however each service is individually priced to fit the job or need. Our steadfast founder Eileen and her diligent staff are always looking for funding for new projects, as well as ideas to fund the current projects. We were fortunate to be awarded a substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund which has allowed us to set up gardening and cooking enterprises, as well as giving the Charity a formal office. The local health authority was helpful in obtaining funding for a cycle repair enterprise which has seen great success. We have also had a interview with the local Alfred news and local magazine to allow the local people to here and see what we do at hope. However, we are always on the lookout for extra funding sources and gratefully accept donations - whether it’s monetary or a bike that's been out-grown. We especially welcome anyone willing to give their time to volunteer. We currently get food donations from Lidl , Aldi and Waitrose. Anyone interested in donating to, or volunteering with any of these projects should contact the office on 01747 851397

This local food project has grown out of the response set up to food poverty during the pandemic. During 2020 the communities team from Salisbury City Council, along with volunteers, began delivering food parcels. This grew into an online shopping service run out of the City Community Centres. It became clear that this source of support needed to continue, and expand, so in April 2021 the project reopened in a City Centre shop and is part of the Your Local Panty franchise run by Church Action on Poverty. The shop is a membership scheme for people living in Salisbury City, who are struggling to balance the demands on their household income, leading to difficult decisions between paying essential bills and buying food. Members can shop at the Salisbury Pantry for £5 and select a range of foods averaging £25 to £35 in value. Surplus food is sourced from local retailers and via Fareshare. The shop itself is in its infancy and the team has hopes to expand the provision from one day a week to two and to respond to the clearly visible need as much as is possible.

River Bourne Community Farm was established in 2010 as a working farm for the whole community to enjoy. It is FREE to visit and has many animals to see and a cosy cafe and farm shop. Education and volunteering are the main focuses of the farm. Small groups of Primary and Secondary pupils come to the farm to learn about animal care and working on a farm. Many of them have additional needs such as autism and working outdoors is very beneficial to them. We generally have around 80 to 100 volunteers to help us on the farm doing everything from egg collecting, animal feeding, general maintenance, working the shop, helping at events and anything else we need! We couldnt do it without them! The farm holds events throughout the year for the community to enjoy, including our popular music event Live@TheFarm. See our website for more information about events.