Sainsbury's West Croydon Station Local

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.

A.R. Projects: Empowering Vulnerable and Homeless Individuals Our Mission: Since October 2020, A.R. Projects has been dedicated to uplifting vulnerable and homeless individuals. Our directors, who have lived experiences, ensure our approach is both empathetic and impactful. Our team consists solely of volunteers, and our services are free. We became a registered not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) in December 2021. Our Impact: > Soup Kitchens and Food Banks: Operating two locations in Croydon , we serve 800 individuals and distribute 640 food parcels monthly. > Surplus Redistribution: We re-distribute 3 tonnes of surplus each month, reducing waste and supporting those in need. > Emergency Food Parcel Service: Launched during the pandemic, this service supports low-income families through partnerships with schools, nurseries, and hospitals. > Homeless Outreach: Our volunteers engage directly with the homeless, providing meals, assessing needs, and connecting them to essential resources. Community Outreach: We collaborate with mosques, schools, and other organizations to identify and assist those in need. Our network of support spans various community sectors, ensuring comprehensive care. Skill-Building Workshops and Mentorship: > Weekly Workshops: Focused on job searches and CV building to enhance employment prospects. > Business for Children: Encourages entrepreneurial skills from a young age. > Coffee Mornings for Women Facing Domestic Abuse: Provides a safe space for women to connect and access support. > Fortnightly Meetings for Those Struggling with Addiction: Offers guidance and peer support for addiction recovery. Recognition and Collaborations: Our work has been highlighted in respected publications, including SW Londoner and London News Online. We also received a Community Outreach Award from The Appreciation Awards, reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact. Join Us: We seek collaborations with like-minded individuals and organizations. If you share our vision, contact us to help create a better future. Explore Our Impact: Check out our photos and videos to see how we utilize your support. Be part of our journey towards positive change. Contact Us: For collaboration inquiries or more information, reach out to our team. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Each week we collect excess fresh food from local supermarkets, including Waitrose, Tesco, Aldi and M&S Food. This is usually food that is approaching its shelf-life and cannot be sold. Every Saturday afternoon we distribute this healthy food to local families and individuals in Croydon from our distribution point in Thornton Heath. We take referrals from Social Services, schools, family centres and medical centres. We also accept self-referrals from clients who can demonstrate they are on benefits, low income or otherwise in need. Our aim is to enable disadvantaged people and families to maintain a healthy diet while on a low income or no income at all. We also increase awareness of the problem of plastic pollution by encouraging clients to bring their own bags, by giving out re-cyclable bags ourselves and by distributing as much food as possible without plastic packaging.