Sainsbury's Simonside Local

Bilton Hall Community Trust was originally set up as Low Simonside Community Association in 1979, a former school site which transferred to the now Simonside Primary School in Jarrow. The Trust is now a registered charity (1171907) since March 6th, 2017. The Trust was formed to develop and manage the Community Centre with the aim of turning it into a successful, self-sustaining centre, providing the community with somewhere they can come to learn, relax and engage in activities. With a 40 year lease secured, ​Gradually over time, the Trust will invested in the Community Centre, securing capital grants and fundraising to improve the facilities. With further grant funding established in future will look to secure staff to help manage the site. ​Today the community centre is a thriving with around 20,000 visits from the South Tyneside community per year. ​The Centre has: 3 permanent tenants hiring space within the centre 20 casual user groups who offer activities and classes on a weekly basis A community cafe open 6 days a week, providing affordable and healthy food to the local and wider community And an events team providing large scale events for the community to attend. The Trust is on its way to a 100% financial sustainability by maximising the income generation techniques above and this will allow the organisation to become less grant funded reliant and more financially secure for future generations to benefit from the centre. Purpose To create opportunities for the benefit of the communities we serve Vision Our communities will have positive and inclusive engagement within their community facilities Values AMBITIOUS We will push ourselves to be best practice and achieve more and become a leader in our fields. COMMUNITY LED We will listen to the views and needs of our community, incorporate these into planning and feedback. RESPECTFUL We will consider the impact of the work we do, ensuring it compliments others yet achieves best standards. RESPONSIVE We will be quick to act and make the most of an opportunity or to address a need. RESILIENT We will respond to changing needs and priorities to ensure we are resilient for the future. ​ Strategic Priorities Improving Our Facilities We will secure investment into our community facilities to ensure they become go to destinations that meet the expectations of today. They will have facilities with high standards throughout and provide flexible booking spaces to accommodate a wide range of clients. ​Growing Strong Community Businesses We will grow our community businesses to become leaders in the fields of events, catering and facility hire with well recognised brands. Our community businesses will diversify their income streams to ensure they become robust businesses that can support our trading arm. ​Responding to Community Need We will develop and deliver a range of community development programs

Food donations from Veterans Response CIC directly strengthen the military and veteran community by reducing hardship, improving wellbeing, and creating stability for families. The organisation runs a year‑round veterans foodbank that supports over 40 veterans and their families every week, with help from partners such as ASDA, Greggs, Morrisons, Aldi, M&S, and Tesco . This practical support plays several important roles: 🥫 How the food donations support the military community 1. Reducing food insecurity Many veterans face financial hardship, especially during the transition to civilian life. The foodbank provides essential groceries so veterans and their families do not have to choose between eating and paying bills. Veterans Response CIC confirms it operates a year‑round foodbank specifically for veterans in South Tyneside . 2. Supporting families, not just individuals Food donations help entire households, ensuring children and partners of veterans also receive support. The organisation reports feeding 40+ families weekly, showing the scale of need and impact . 3. Reducing stress and improving mental wellbeing Financial strain is a major contributor to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. By easing the burden of food costs, the foodbank helps veterans focus on recovery, employment, and mental health support. Veterans Response CIC also provides wellbeing and peer‑support services alongside the foodbank, creating a holistic safety net . 4. Encouraging community connection Collecting food, distributing it, and visiting the centre helps veterans reconnect with others who understand their experiences. This reduces isolation—one of the biggest challenges veterans face after leaving service. 5. Providing a trusted first point of contact Many veterans first approach the organisation for food support, then receive help with: housing and tenancy issues welfare and benefits guidance mental health support (including help navigating NHS services) digital skills and employment support Food donations therefore act as a gateway to wider, long‑term support. 🎖️ Why this matters South Tyneside has a high prevalence of PTSD, disabilities, and neurodiversity among veterans, combined with limited resources and rising living costs. Food support ensures no veteran is left behind while they rebuild stability and independenc

Hospitality and Hope are one of South Tyneside’s leading food insecurity, homelessness and community wellbeing charities.