Argos Durham Arnison Centre (Inside Sainsbury's)

A local charity for children, young people and adults with additional learning needs. The project gives opportunity for learning skills, socialising, making friends, visiting places and being part of the local community. A focus is made on health and wellbeing and increasing positive mental health. We deliver 11 sessions a week for different ages which include youth club, junior group, adult social nights, fitness sessions, performing arts and transitions skills programme plus additional weekend and holiday programmes to reduce feeling of isolation. All sessions provide a hearty snack or small meal and members are encouraged to learn how to use the kitchen. This is to focus on eating healthy but also the social aspect of coming together and enjoying time together. We strive to be part of our local community, raising disability awareness through positive events and activities that show what those with additional needs and/or a disability can do rather than what they can not.

No one should go hungry. But across the North East, thousands of families are struggling to afford the basics. Feeding Families works with over 200 local partners to deliver fast, practical support where it’s needed most. Each year, we support over 40,000 households and distribute more than one million items through a network of trusted community partners, including schools, hospitals, social services and housing providers. This means help reaches people quickly, safely, and at the moment they need it most. We work with individuals and families who cannot afford the basics. Many are facing poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, poor health or sudden life changes. Often, they are dealing with multiple challenges and feel forgotten by the system. We don’t operate like a traditional food bank. Instead, we work through frontline organisations who already support people in crisis. This allows us to respond fast, remove barriers, and reach those who might otherwise go without help. Everything we provide is tailored. From emergency food parcels to culturally appropriate food, rough sleeper packs, hygiene products, baby essentials and Christmas support, every item is chosen based on real need. At the heart of Feeding Families is a simple belief: everyone deserves dignity. “Receiving this box made me cry happy tears. I’ve never been supported like this before, and it’s changed our lives.” - Feeding Families recipient, 2024 By supporting Feeding Families, you are helping us reach more people with practical, immediate support at the point they need it most. “Feeding Families are a key stakeholder and will continue playing a vital role in tackling food insecurity and reducing poverty across the borough.” - Michael Walker, Poverty Lead, Gateshead Council

1 in 4 people in our region are living below the poverty line. Today in County Durham there are families struggling to put food on the table. For people on low incomes, a sudden crisis - redundancy, benefit delay or even an unexpected bill - can mean going hungry. Every day parents skip meals to feed their children and people are forced to choose between paying the rent and eating. Durham Foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis. Foodbanks help to prevent family breakdown, housing loss, crime and mental health problems. We also take time to listen and signpost people to further support.