Sainsbury's Droitwich Worcester Road Local

A Decade of Compassion: The Story of Worcestershire Homeless Shoe Box and Gift Bag Appeal Ten years ago, a small dream to bring comfort and hope to those in need grew into something extraordinary. From humble beginnings, we’ve provided thousands of hot meals, clothing, and launched a community pantry and fridge seven years ago—saving tons of food from landfill to nourish local and surrounding communities. Challenges came, but seeing smiles and making a difference made every effort worthwhile. We’ve moved from a van to two dedicated units, thanks to incredible volunteers, donors, and supporters. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude. Thank you for helping us build a kinder community—here’s to the next ten years, together. (250 characters exactly including spaces)

Moving Forward Community Fridge is based at Westlands Community Centre in Droitwich to support the whole of the Droitwich. We have the support of Hubbub and we are working closely with them. We work families predominantly on the Westlands estate and it has become clear that there is a need for support in the area, we have run a number of holiday hunger campaigns during school holidays and during lockdowns. Families have discussed with us that Covid has added pressure to their alrrady difficult financial situations and they are finding it increasing hard to feed their families. We are aware that there is already a Food Bank and Community Pantry in the town and we feel that the addition of our Community Fridge will only enhance the wellbeing and support offered to all families living in Droitwich. We are working with the Food Bank to support those in greatest need.

- NewStarts prevents homelessness and alleviates poverty by collecting unwanted household goods and donating them free of charge to families/individuals who have been recently rehoused but their new council properties are empty and other than resorting to loan sharks, they have no means of furnishing their properties. - NewStarts provides emergency parcels of food for those in financial crisis. - NewStarts strengthens community cohesion by attracting over 100 local volunteers each year to help deliver the project. Included in our team are the long term unemployed (60% of our volunteers of working age are long term unemployed), ex-offenders, retired and active professionals, those with mental and/or physical health challenges and socially isolated people. - NewStarts reduces social isolation by delivering a 360 digital inclusion project, which: a) provides affordable computers/laptops for local people by recycling unwanted I.T. waste (models range from £35-£90), b) offers free, 1-2-1 training in basic I.T. skills, c) delivers a low-cost, I.T. help-desk for the local community, which is open 5 days per week. - NewStarts improves the local environment by re-using c160 tonnes each year of unwanted household goods, which would otherwise be destined for landfill.