B&Q Merry Hill

Our vision is to continue to develop the Helping Hand Community project and build it into a truly community group where everyone can be involved and make a difference. All funds will be reinvested into the project, enabling fundraising events to be held and mobile food banks to be set up in various areas.  We have built strong relationships with a variety of organisations, community groups and local hostels and shelters to ensure surplus food goes to the people in most need. Officially formed in 2023, we have been serving the community since 2018. Over the years, we have built relationships and work with fantastic organisations to help those who need it the most.

Our J's Pantry, run entirely by volunteers, officially opened on 24th March 2023 and is a CIC No 11531284 It aims to help local families in need, relieving and helping to prevent poverty by means of food provision and is a franchise of the national Your Local Pantry network. Our Pantry is a membership-based food club and sources its food from supermarket surplus, Fareshare and donations to help local people struggling to meet their bills for as long as they need help. Our members, currently just over 100 can visit the Pantry twice a week for a fee of £6. This enables them to choose food items to the value of around £25. In addition members can choose free fresh produce e.g. fruit, vegetables and bakery items for no additional cost. The membership fee is used by the Pantry to meet running costs e.g. utility bills and purchase top-up food stocks as required.

- Religious activities - Other charitable purposes - Children/young people - Elderly/old people - People with disabilities