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We are aiming to make sure that people can come in and eat at least two meals a day. We have an experienced cook who works with a team of volunteers to produce nutritious meals from food donations. We also run a project called Purfleet Pantry where people can join our membership club to be part of a scheme giving them access to cooking lessons, health and nutrition sessions and weekly grocery parcels. We are aiming to eradicate food poverty amongst our clients and the wider community and to provide coaching around nutrition, health and well-being.

‘Hub In – Hub Out’ is the first community project under the banner of ‘Project St. Thomas. ‘Hub In – Hub Out’ was officially launched in June 2022 and is delivered by community volunteers using facilities and venues provided by partners with a social mission. Together we will take food to those most in need. We offer the opportunity for those who wish to make small donation to do so, on a “what you can afford” basis. For those who cannot afford a donation, food is provided free of charge. We always take time to talk and befriend people helping to break down the barriers that divide our community. The wider projects under Project St Thomas now include a range of activities and support for all ages. Some of our new projects include setting up a "budgeting and money advice session" for 15-20 year olds. School don't teach this to children and so many young people join adulthood without knowing the basics of good money management. We want to change this and really give our young people lots of skills. We are also currently setting up aYouth club for primary age children, based around reading and also a senior youth club, Teen Haven to give the older children a safe space for young people o thrive. And we are currently working to set up a weekly social coffee morning which will also incorporate our "Tom's Baby Bank" where young families will be able to buy good quality, cheap items for their young family while they are experiencing the burden of the cost of living. We aim to develop this to offer more items than clothing as we build. The coffee morning element is crucial to bring social opportunities to all that join us and we hope that from the coffee morning/ baby bank that some intergenerational activities may also develop. We also distribute surplus collected food to a range of people, who benefit from them including direct support to those at crisis point and also sheltered site across the whole district to support elderly residents to access food essentials. Exciting times ahead for Project St Thomas.

Parents of disabled children are often thrust into this new, scary and complicated world with no advice, knowledge or training. Without the right support, the time creating precious family memories loses out to the stresses of everyday life and not knowing what the future holds. Little Miracles is ran by parents, for parents, and we aim to offer what we wish we had during testing times - a shoulder to cry on, pointers in the right direction and people to relate to and socialise with - as well as celebrate the small milestones that mean the world. We offer daily activities from our purpose-built play centre, The Spinney. Our centre was built in September 2013 by the BBC's Children in Need and DIYSOS following a massive outpouring of public support for our cause. In addition to daily activities, we employ specialists that provide their services at no cost to our families (as with all the work that we do) - a family support worker, sensory support worker and counsellors. The services we offer include: Recreational and educational activities for young people Comprehensive benefits assessments (and help completing paperwork) Advocacy Counselling and bereavement counselling Low-cost holidays - Caravan of Miracles Courses/workshops from qualified tutors Early intervention services