Our project started by simply distributing surplus food to people in need. Slowly our network got bigger that we could not knock on each door on our list anymore, so we agreed I park at one point everyday after collection, and people come to take food. At first people were reluctant to come out of their houses, specially after many recent crimes that happened in Parry road. But slowly people started having the trust to come out and have small chat, and in few weeks all the community were waiting for the slot to distribute, only to meet and have small chat. One lady told me I lived at my address for over 15 years, and this is the first time I know who are my neighbours. We created whatsapp group where I post photo of the food collected, and people get notified so they come and wait. Then we added on the group posting unwanted clothes or furniture, and people welcomed the idea and used it a lot. Now the charity who was giving us the slots ended, people were sad. First they were relying financially a lot on this food, and 2nd they stopped coming out and gathering for chats when taking food. People and children are stopping me in the streets to ask me why we stopped or when we are coming back. I can provide more than 50 family contacts, and I can provide extract of the group chats as testimonial of our work for the last few years.
In the last year our group expanded a lot. Many people volunteered, we have in total 23 volunteers who are reaching more areas, more people in need, and more charities.
We distribute in weekly basis to Lebanese welfare community in Kilburn, to al Nour Arabic school, Mozart street hostel for homeless. One of our volunteers works in care home in Maida Vale and she takes sandwiches and cakes to elderly people who waits for it.
Also we do distribute in Harrow road near Zagros where many people who are in need gather evening.
We give to Emmanuel Pantry Harrow road 2 days a week.
We distribute to Avenues club in Third Avenue, and to the food bank in Queenspark Primary.
Our group is always open to anyone who wants to join. People from the group always send me messages to add more people they know or they just met and they believe they need those donations.
Our group currently has 70 members, who some of them also take to people they know.
What we've received
Meals372,971
Non-food (tonnes)1.34
Rugby Portobello Trust
London, UK
RPT is a children's, youth and family support charity that has been operating in North Kensington for 140 years. We provide a range of sporting, cultural and educational activities which are delivered in the daytime, evenings and during holidays, both on and off site.
On weekdays we offer support for our local families via a project called Magic Mums, 2 mornings a week we run a stay and play with often up to 50 parents and carers coming to allow their children to play but probably more importantly for the to meet other adults, make friendships and support each other. We open our Community Wardrobe during the stay and play sessions as we have the most amazing supporters who donate clothes, equipment and small household items and those who need it are free to take them.
on Wednesday we run our wellbeing group, mums and carers meeting together to explore who they are, embracing change and a place for growth and reflection, followed by our Skills morning where we learn new skills; we have covered crochet, jewellery and currently are providing Sewing and upcycling classes.
Our busiest services are after school Homework Club and Junior Club, 3 afternoons a week we have up to 50 children (6 plus) attend our homework club staffed by a brilliant bunch of volunteers after which they usually go down to junior club, table tennis, trampolining, gaming, music studio, drama, arts a whole array of activities to challenge and exhaust!
Every weekday evening we provide a youth club for 13 plus reserving one night just for girls, Athena and one for boys, Mancave. Our young people explore sports, crafts, dance, music, recording, spoken word, Gym sessions and discussions galore. We try to offer cooking and food every evening resources dependant!
lastly during school holidays we offer a play service for up to 100 children in W11, again a full range of activities, trips, visits, cycling, panto run by a fantastic team of Play professionals and supported by wonderful volunteers.
What we've received
Meals27,689
Non-food (tonnes)0.30
Money£1,000
Dalgarno Trust Foodbank
London, UK
The Dalgarno food bank is a weekly food distribution service providing both perishable and non-perishable foods for the local community. The service is free, but clients are asked to make a small donation for what they receive. Every small amount contributes to the successful running of the service. The food bank is for anyone who may be unemployed, receiving low income, or are struggling to cope with household bills. However, people need not restrict themselves to these reasons to use the food bank.
If you would like to give food or any other donations to our food bank - donations are always well received and appreciated.
Key details about the service are as follow:
Tickets are given out in the reception area of the centre from 10am. The food bank distribution starts at 2pm. To keep the service Covid secure, food bank users do not enter the building, but volunteers bag up the food they have requested. Most people leave the food bank with two full plastic bags.
Days/Time: Thursday (10 am for tickets ) Food bank distribution 2pm-3pm
What we've received
Meals110,967
Non-food (tonnes)1.35
Money£5,905
