The Weber Shandwick Collective

Provision of relief of items to vulnerable and disadvantaged families. We now want to launch a community hub but need more funding, help with fridge and a space to fully launch the hub. When this is accomplished we will be able to increase our beneficiary base as well as increase our services. People will not have to wait to get appointments before accessing food. They can get come in everyday we are open to eat.

The overall aim of Poole Community Exchange is to meet the needs of people who are socially excluded and disadvantaged in society by offering facilities and services, including advice and signposting to specialist help, which will help them integrate into society and thrive, not just survive. We operate a unique ‘exchange’ model which comes from our belief that everyone has needs and everyone has something to offer. Our ‘strapline is “Take what you need: Give what you can”. Whether people need food, a warm space or somewhere they are accepted and whether people give time, skills, money or food supplies, we believe that everyone benefits by involvement. We have two core projects: • Poole Pantry, which is a membership-based community pantry. • The Community Living Room, which is a warm welcoming space with refreshments and leisure activities. WiFi and recharging points are available. We are a satellite for Poole Food Bank, providing emergency food parcels. Poole Pantry is for anyone struggling make ends meet, to help them eat a balanced and nutritional diet. Members can shop weekly for 10 items or less from a range of food including chilled, fresh and frozen as well as tins etc. We ask for a suggested donation of £5 towards our costs. The Community Living Room is open to all. We offer a range of hot drinks and cake as well as a healthy, hot 2 course lunch. We ask for a suggested donation with a reduction for pantry members. People struggling with money can eat for free. Current activities include games, colouring, Knit and Natter, an art group and Tai Chi. Gardening is also available. We ask people to donate what they can afford to help cover costs. The volunteer chef who cooks the lunches also provides lessons for people who lack skills or confidence, or who want to gain additional skills to help with employment and self-employment. We also offer additional support services including education and training and advice and guidance though various partners including Citizens Advice Bureau Urban Advice Vehicle, Chaplains from the Borough of Poole Chaplaincy Team, Tricuro COAST, SMILE, WISEability and others.

Harmony was founded in 2001 with the goal to assist young people aged 8-18, especially those who are disadvantaged, in realising their true potential through the creative arts. We provide activities focused around music production, photography, cooking, keeping fit, CV writing and interview skills for young people not in education or employment. Over the last 3 years we have seen an increase in the effect the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has had on these young people and their families. With this we have started running a food parcel pick-up and aiming more workshops and aid towards the families in our community who need more direct help.