Getir Peckham

Ronald McDonald House provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at 14 specialist children's hospitals across the UK so that families can remain united and close to their seriously ill child. We are an independent charity, receive no funding from Government bodies and rely solely on the support of our families, businesses and community. Our Camberwell House, located just 5 minutes from King’s College Hospital, supports families from all over the UK. It is equipped with kitchens, playrooms, laundry facilities, has communal lounges and a garden so that families can feel at home. Families can stay as long as their child is being treated, whether that is for a couple of days or for years. Our aim is to create a safe environment where families can focus in helping their child get better without worrying about financial implications such as hotel, travel and food and being able to spend some time together therefore strengthening family stability and mental wellbeing.

The Community Fridge project is aimed at reducing food wastage amongst food retailers and householders in the local area, whilst simultaneously supporting the local community by providing food at no charge. In doing to the project also provides employment, training and volunteering opportunities for local people and builds trust and a spirit of sharing within the community. The Albrighton Community Fridge can be found in the Albrighton Community Centre, Camberwell. It is open to members of the public on from Tues - Thurs from 1pm. It works on an honesty basis. There is also a second fridge where food is held specifically for organisations and charities which help vulnerable people locally. Alongside the fridge can be found a Community Cooking kit. The kit operates like a library with items such as blenders, rice cookers, slow cookers and vacuum packs on loan for week-long periods. The library intends to help local households without the means or space to own such items. The items were picked for their ability to support with food waste reduction. It is the first of its kind and you can sign up at the Albrighton Centre reception. On occasion the fridge hosts cooking workshops and other skills sharing events. We are always looking for food donations from local retailers and individuals and volunteers to support with the running of the fridge. The Albrighton Community Fridge is a part of the Hubbub Community Fridge Network.

This project supports the fantastic work that Palmer House does for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. I have been collecting food for this purpose for some ten years! Based in Croydon, Palmer House supports 60 single people up to 65 years of age with complex needs including experience of homelessness or rough sleeping, substance misuse and mental ill health. Customers are referred to Palmer House by the London Borough of Croydon and stay up to two years. The charity empowers them to make decisions about their support, including choosing their Support Worker. This person centred approach enables customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. The team at Palmer House believes customers can move beyond their current support needs and achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities. Whilst at Palmer House, customers engage in developing life and independent living skills including developing routine and structure, fostering positive relationships, healthy eating and cooking.