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Being part of the Community Fridge Network, our Charnwood Community Fridge is completely a non-profit/voluntary service that is dedicated to reduce food waste and support community resilience. Our Community Fridge is run by volunteers. Unlike conventional food banks, our Community Fridge is open to all, free of charge, and anyone can contribute to, or use food from the fridge. We collect donated food from local supermarkets, other local businesses, producers and private household, preventing waste by making it available to anyone in the Loughborough and surrounding areas. Our project operates from: Shelthorpe Family Help (Previously known as Shelthorpe Children & Family Wellbeing Service - CWFS): Woodthorpe Road, Loughborough, LE11 2NF. Located within the Shelthorpe Family Hub and share the site with Lift Beacon School/nursery, Charnwood Community Fridge has been a source of support for so many more vulnerable families and a meaningful space for people to socialise, reduce isolation and enjoy a sense of community. Visit us on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090359844289 Our webpage: https://sites.google.com/d/1RSCe3EJyTd1iunLanrsRFKO9Wf0q2eUM/p/1gzm6ZTYPLbKMs3ngyFEfQlLMsM39GO0G/edit Our Food Standards Agency (FSA) rating can be viewed here: https://ratings.food.gov.uk/business/1160021/cfw-service

NCAT is a charitable organisation dedicated to serving the needs of the local community in Blakelaw and its surrounding areas, it plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of residents. Through the dedicated efforts of our team of volunteers, we organise a diverse range of events catering to all age groups. Additionally, we offer a valuable array of services, including a free counselling service, assistance with welfare rights, and guidance and support for various issues. One of our standout initiatives is the provision of a welcoming space and a community market. Our committed volunteers utilise surplus donations from supermarkets to establish a food market, addressing the challenges faced by local individuals grappling with the escalating costs of living. The market operates twice a week, with aspirations to expand its frequency in the future. The setup and execution of this initiative are orchestrated by our team of volunteers, who diligently collect donations and arrange them in a designated area within the community centre for the convenience of local residents. Our model works by redistributing donated food on the day of collection. We have lots of free items at our Community Market and these items can be different each week. Our market has no usage criteria so residents in Blakelaw and surrounding areas are all welcome. We work on a first come first served basis and usually allow one of each item per person so we can spread our donations out to help more people. At the end of the market day any items left that go out of date on that day we leave a donation box and people are free to come and take what they need and donate what they can this prevents any items going to landfill. Beyond the confines of the market, our volunteers actively engage with the community, not only serving in the shop but also offering guidance and referrals to our various other services. By creating this support network, NCAT aims to foster a sense of community, address pressing needs, and contribute positively to the overall welfare of the local population.

The charity raises funds for a short break and respite care centre for children with life-limiting conditions and disabilities. In addition we provide support services for all family members where there is one or more child with a disability aged between 0 to 25 years of age. We aim to become a "hub" where families with a child with disabilities can come for advice, information and support that will improve their quality of life. We provide counselling for all family members including the siblings and the child with disabilities, holistic therapies for parent carers to improve their health and wellbeing and help them to cope with their 24/7 demanding roles as well as peer support groups. We have volunteering and work placement opportunities for young people with disabilities as well as volunteering opportunities for all members of the community, for example reception desk. admin, organising fundraising events, gardening, cleaning and maintenance. We welcome support from all!