Category: Serving our Communities

Cornwall Christmas Box

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration but for those living on the breadline, Christmas can emphasise the difficulty of their circumstances. For the past 18 years, Three Rivers Vineyard Church (previously Truro Vineyard Church) have been collecting Christmas dinner boxes to give away through Cornwall Council’s Social Services team to those in need. Jesus taught us to feed the poor and hungry, and this us trying to do that.

In 2012 we felt challenged to expand the Christmas Box appeal to the broader community, wanting to help as many people as possible. We collected just over 200 boxes in 2014, 120 in 2015, and 257 in 2016. In 2017 we had a target of 300, or 500 if you asked Heather. We thought she was being ambitious – but you all donated 540 boxes in total, so she was right!

For 2018, we collected almost 1,000 boxes, which were distributed to hundreds of families in need, across the length and breadth of Cornwall. And last year we collected a whopping 1200 boxes.  Once again, we were blown away by everyone’s generosity.  There are no words!

We are unashamedly, a Christian charity, we don’t have any preferences for where the boxes go, or where they come from.  In fact we don’t directly distribute the boxes ourselves, we rely on partners in Social Care, Food Banks and other 3rd party organisations that already have contact with people in need.  We don’t add anything to the boxes that you donate, our only aim is help feed as many hungry people as possible.

Find out more: 3 Rivers Vineyard Church

Each box contains enough food for a family of 4 – 6 to celebrate: Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, treats like mince pies and biscuits, and of course Christmas pudding all go into the box to make up a feast for a family in need. A typical box costs around £30 but you can share the cost by getting together with friends, neighbours and colleagues to fill a box together. The boxes will be distributed by Cornwall Council’s ‘Children’s Early Help, Social Care and Psychology Service’ team to families in need. Visit the website for the shopping list of items to include, collection points and more.

Christmas Box 2020 is happening!

As we reach the end of one of the craziest and most challenging years, the number of people that need help has grown exponentially.  Christmas Box HQ is going full blast again this year, and we have been blown away by Cornwall’s generosity, we really live in a beautiful place with beautiful people.  There have been some challenges to make sure that we do it as safe a way as possible for people involved. But we believe that we have to help as many people as we can again this year.

For the last couple of years, there has been such an amazing response to our Christmas Box appeal. You have been absolutely incredible at responding to the need here in Cornwall, to help feed families. We’ve gone from collecting approximately 100 boxes a few years ago to over 1200 boxes last year. This is fantastic, thank you!

Thank you to everyone that has got in touch and offered their time, their vehicles and expertise to help us this year.  You guys are amazing!

If you have any question be sure to get in touch – either by email (hello@cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk) or via Messenger on our Facebook page.

Thanks again

3 Rivers Vineyard Team

URL 1
https://cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk/
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/cornwallchristmasbox
Social media
Facebook, Twitter
Email
hello@cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk

The St Vincent de Paul Society, Cornwall

The Devon and Cornwall St Vincent de Paul Society is part of an international Catholic society dedicated to the relief of the poor in whatever form that poverty takes.  The Society was founded in Paris in 1833 by a group of young laymen, led by Frederick Oznam (beatified in 1977) to address the needs of the poor. They took as their inspiration and Patron, the Apostle of Charity, St. Vincent who, two centuries earlier, had founded the Order of the Daughters of Charity. They set up orphanages and soup kitchens to alleviate the conditions prevalent in France at that time. The Society rapidly spread globally and today is active in 140 countries.

In Cornwall there are five SVP Conferences in Falmouth, Camborne, Truro, Bodmin and Launceston.  Some  members are over 70 but still active with charity works. The SVP is also a partner in Plymouth Diocese Caritas.

Membership is open to men and woman, young and old, of any denomination. The SVP asks only that members accept fully the Christian ethos of the Society, and are committed to express their love of God through personal service to their neighbour. The SVP respects religious liberty and values of all people.

Helping those most in need during the Covid-19 crisis

The SVP has always been there for people who are older, vulnerable or on the margins of society. When Covid-19 hit and the country went into lockdown, SVP volunteers and support centres sprang into action with deliveries of hot meals, emergency food parcels and essentials.

While we had to stop our befriending visits, our volunteers have offered one-to-one support over the phone to people who may be feeling more lonely or isolated than ever before.

Download poster

URL 1
https://www.trurocatholicchurch.org.uk/saint-vincent-de-paul-society.html
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/SVPenglandandwales
Contact Name
Chris Provis, President
Phone/Mobile
+441566775820
Email
geoffprovis@hotmail.co.uk

Truro: Music and Chat on the Mat

Music & Chat on the Mat at Truro Baptist Church

Come along with your pre-walking baby for 45 minute session on a Wednesday.

9.15 -10.00am OR 10.45 – 11.30am

A time to chat in our relaxed sensory room with sensory music activities, baby signing, textures and smiles.
Book in for this half term’s sessions from 4th November to 9th December

A covid compliant group:
1 adult to 1 child
Please wear a mask on arrival
Visors will be available for mat time
Places are limited at each session to
6 adults and 6 babies

To BOOK please email: children@trurobaptist.co.uk
CLICK HERE to visit the TBC Toddler & Baby Facebook page

Parking at the Church is extremely limited and we advise you not to use the Church’s car park, there are spots on surrounding roads that allow you to park free for up to 2 hours and a couple of pay and display car parks a few minutes’ walk away.

The TBC Toddler & Baby team

Address
Truro Baptist Church
Opening hours
Wednesdays 9.15 -10.00am OR 10.45 – 11.30am, 4 Nov-10 Dec 2020
URL 1
https://www.facebook.com/groups/121725372436162/
URL 2
http://www.trurobaptist.co.uk/
Social media
Facebook
Contact Name
Lynda Sanders
Email
children@trurobaptist.co.uk

Download flyer

 

St Ives Foodbank

St Ives Foodbank serves TR26 residents in crisis. We provide food for people in crisis who have been referred to us by various agencies. All food has been donated and what we can give does depend upon what has been donated, however we aim to provide enough food for a family of four for three days per voucher.

During the COVID period we are NOT open for people to come to the foodbank. We deliver all parcels to people’s home. Please call or text this number 07958 390303 if you require Foodbank during this time.

Deliveries on Thursdays, please text us your address and number of people in your household by Wednesday

Donations:

Please text or call this number 07958 390303 for larger donations to be collected as most collection points apart from Tesco are closed to the public. If you text please give us your address and telephone number and a brief description of your donation.

Local supermarket donation points:

  • Tesco Carbis Bay, St Ives Rd, Carbis Bay, St Ives TR26 2PN

Financial Donations

Demand has significantly increased due to self-isolation and job losses, and we are expecting high demand in the coming weeks.

St Ives Foodbank desperately needs help with food donations to meet demand during this pandemic, and also financial donations, needed to buy milk, bread, fresh fruits and veg.

Financial donations can be made by Online banking to:

Sort code 544116

Account number 46557563

Account name: St Ives Foodbank

Address
St Johns in the Field Church, Higher Stennack, St Ives, TR26 2HG
Opening hours
Currently closed: deliveries only, on Thursdays
URL 1
https://www.facebook.com/Food2Crisis/
URL 2
http://stivesfoodbank.blogspot.com/
Social media
Facebook
Contact Name
Chris Wallis
Phone/Mobile
+447958390303
Email
cjwalliscorn@gmail.com
Who may use the service?
While we are a Christian organisation, the Foodbank serves everyone in crisis regardless of faith or belief.

Penryn & Falmouth Foodbank

When you have no financial safety net, a sudden crisis, such as bereavement, benefit delay, redundancy or illness, can leave you unable to feed yourself or your family.. Such situations can quickly deteriorate, leading to relationship breakdown, house repossession or worse. Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank works to support people who find themselves on the edge of disaster.

How to get help

If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.

The most important step is to get a foodbank voucher.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.

1. Get in touch with us.

If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.

They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.

3. Bring  your foodbank voucher to your nearest foodbank centre. 

Opening times:

We are open for clients on Mondays between 11am and 1pm and on Thursdays from 2pm until 4pm. We do not deliver at the moment, however there are other community groups who are delivering on our behalf if the need arises, we do not currently have an e-referral system.

**Penryn & Falmouth Foodbank also run a satellite in Constantine (Weds morning between 10:00am-12:00 noon) www.facebook.com/constantinechurch

Donations:

You can drop off items directly to us at the Foodbank, Highway Community Centre, Church Road, Penryn, TR10 8DA on Mondays between 11am and 1pm and on Thursdays from 2pm until 4pm.

Local supermarket donation points:

  • Penryn Asda, Jennings Road, Penryn TR10 9LY
  • Tesco Metro Falmouth, Killigrew St, Falmouth TR11 3PQ
  • Natural Store Falmouth 5 Market Strand, Falmouth TR11 3DB
  • Co-op Boslowick Mongleath Avenue, Falmouth TR11 4PN
  • Other:Email foodbank@highwaychurch.co.uk

Financial donations:

We are also in receipt of some very kind monetary donations through our website. Here is the link if you would like to make a donation: https://penrynfalmouth.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money

Address
Highway Community Centre, Church Road, Penryn, TR10 8DA
Opening hours
Mondays 11am – 1pm and Thursdays 2pm – 4pm
URL 1
https://penrynfalmouth.foodbank.org.uk/
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/penrynfalmouthfoodbank
Social media
Facebook
Phone/Mobile
+441326618575
Email
foodbank@highwaychurch.co.uk

Wadebridge Foodbank and StoreHouse

We provide the traditional three days’ worth of  dried and tinned food to local people in crisis need, but also a whole load more: a cup of tea and a listening ear, money management courses and signposting to additional support services. We distribute surplus food from local supermarkets, ready meals from local caterers and manage a crisis fund for heating. In short, we do what it says on the side of our van: restore dignity and revive hope.

With a main hub in Wadebridge and drop-in centres in Bodmin and Camelford, we cover a large area right across North Cornwall.

We will shortly be re-opening our StoreHouse project, accepting donations of furniture and household items that will be given away, completely free of charge, to local people in crisis need, and sold in our shop in Wadebridge to cover our core costs and make our project sustainable.

Address
Unit 3, Trevanson Street, Wadebridge, PL27 7AR
Opening hours
Mon – Thurs 10am – 1pm
Disabled access
Yes
URL 1
https://www.wadebridgefoodbank.org
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/WadebridgeFoodbankStoreHouse
Social media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Contact Name
Jacqui White
Phone/Mobile
+441208815374
Email
contact@wadebridgefoodbank.org
Who may use the service?
Everyone

St Austell Foodbank

You may not have thought it but many people living in St Austell and the surrounding area are living on the edge of poverty. When you have no financial safety net, a sudden crisis, such as bereavement, benefit delay, redundancy or illness can leave you unable to feed yourself or your family. Such situations can deteriorate, leading to relationship breakdown, house repossession or worse. St Austell foodbank works to support people who find themselves on the edge of disaster. St Austell foodbank is part of a national network of foodbanks, giving out nutritionally balanced emergency food to people in crisis who have nowhere else to turn. Foodbanks also offer additional support to help break the cycle of poverty, putting people in touch with relevant agencies who can offer further support.

Anyone seeking assistance from the foodbank needs to obtain a voucher or an e-voucher code to present at the foodbank. This ensures further support is also available. There are a number of local agencies which can provide vouchers, and these are some of the agencies we currently work with:

  • St Austell Healthcare (All the GP practices are registered with us)
  • STAK Schools/colleges
  • Ocean Housing Welfare Officers
  • We Are With You (formerly Addaction)
  • Children’s Social Care
  • The Family Hub
  • Health Visitors
  • Probation Services

In case of difficulty, you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau national helpline for free on 0808 208 2138 who will be able to offer advice and assistance.

St Austell Foodbank COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS are currently working remotely but are able to offer free advice and practical assistance. Please call them on 07942 252922 or email cc@staustell.foodbank.org.uk

Address: Light and Life Church, Unit 4-5 Brunel Business Park, The Sidings, St Austell PL25 4TJ open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1-3pm.

St Austell Foodbank also operate in:

  • St Stephen: at St Stephen-in-Brannel Parish Church Fore Street PL26 7NN, Wed 11-1pm
  • Roche: at Roche C P School, Fore Street, Roche PL26 8EP, Wednesdays and Fridays 12.00 –2.00pm

**Please check website before making a special journey as all are subject to change: www.staustell.foodbank.org.uk

If you need help from the foodbank the quickest way to reach us is by email: info@staustell.foodbank.org.uk

We can then direct you to the most appropriate agency to give you a foodbank voucher.For those in crisis and in need of a food parcel, the CAB can be called on 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).

Alternatively, a trained Citizens Advice agent will confidentially discuss the situation and will, if needed, issue a food bank voucher code. This code can then be given to foodbank volunteers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 1 -3pm

Donations

Please use our dropboxes in supermarkets (see below) or drop to us direct at Light and Life Church during one of our Tues or Thurs afternoon sessions.

Local supermarket donation points

  • Asda St Austell, Cromwell Road, St Austell PL25 4PR
  • Tesco St Austell Daniels Lane, St Austell PL25 3HT
  • Coop Gover, Moorland Road, Westhill, St Austell, PL25 5BS

Financial Donations: St Austell Foodbank have recently set up an online giving facility at: https://secure.nochex.com/charity/default.aspx?cID=2BB3A009B7A4

Address
Light and Life Church, Unit 4-5 Brunel Business Park, The Sidings,, St Austell, PL25 4TJ
Opening hours
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1-3pm
URL 1
https://staustell.foodbank.org.uk/
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/foodbankstaustell
Social media
Facebook
Email
info@staustell.foodbank.org.uk

Newquay Foodbank

Update 23 Sept 2020:

Newquay Foodbank has proudly joined The Trussell Trust, which gives us increased unity with other local foodbanks aswell as a louder voice in government to discuss the real crisis of food poverty. (Nothing will change with regards to the collecting of food parcels and session times and set ups.)

The Newquay foodbank seeks to be the source of light and hope to those who have fallen on hard times, whether it is through the loss of a job, injury or other matter. Newquay Foodbank works with other supporting agencies to locate those who need us not just in Newquay but in many surrounding areas.

The Newquay Foodbank is an independently run foodbank which was set up in 2011 to support Newquay and the surrounding areas. Started out of a small room in St Columb Minor church by a handful of volunteers, the Foodbank had the aim of supporting any and all who found themselves in desperate need of our help. Since those early days the demand for the Foodbank has unfortunately increased. Now working alongside several agencies the Foodbank has branched out to 2 further sites, now meeting at St Michaels Church on a Friday and the Oasis Centre, St Columb Major on a Saturday. All three venues kindly offer their premises free of charge to the Foodbank recognising the vital role we play in supporting the community.

Our aim is to ensure anyone who comes to us gets the right help from the right people, to get themselves back onto their feet.

In the 2019/20 FY we gave out 1522 Food Parcels to those in desperate need.  This includes basic essentials, such as fruit, veg, eggs, milk and shelf food to support that individual or family for 3 meals a day for 3 days.  based on the average cost of this it works out at approx. £40,630 worth of food last FY.  This cost is greatly reduced by the amazing donations we continue to receive in at our donation points around Newquay and the surrounding areas.

In 2020 we became a member of the Independent Food Aid Network, spreading the message concerning the very real food crisis Nation Wide and helping us to work hand in hand with other similar charities to tackle this problem head on.

Thank you all for your ongoing support!

How to Access a Foodbank Voucher:
1. Go through one of our recognised Agencies: Citizens Advice; Adult Social Care; Health Visitors; Pivotal; Some of the local Churches; Social Prescribers; Cornwall Housing; DISC; We are With You (Used to be known as Addaction); Community Mental Health Team; Probation Service; Disability Cornwall; Early Help Team.
2. If you are not in touch with one of these agencies then please call us on 07810 271202. Here you’ll talk to our Foodbank Co-ordinator, Sara who will refer you to a referral Agency or talk you through the next steps to access support. You can also find support from us at:
Email: newquayfoodbank@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newquay-Foodbank-699984567032215
3. If you are desperate and need food straight away, we can give one box on self referral basis and then from there you would be referred to an agency. You can do this by coming to a session or contacting us on the details above.

Tuesday – 1000 – 1200 – Session – St Columba Church, St Columb Minor, TR7 3EY
Fridays – 1200 – 1400 – Session – St Michaels Church, Newquay, TR7 1RA
Saturday – 1000 – 1200 – Session – Oasis Centre, St Columb Major, TR9 6RH

Donations: Preferably at local dropboxes in supermarket donation points but also during foodbank opening hours. Local supermarket donation points:
· Newquay Morrisons, Treloggan Road, Newquay TR7 2GZ
· Newquay Sainsburys, The Whim, Alma Place, Newquay TR7 1NF
· Newquay Asda, Oakleigh Terrace, Newquay TR7 1RN
· Newquay Aldi, Cliff Road, Newquay TR7 1SW
· Perranporth Co-Op, Station Road, Perranporth, TR6 0DD

If you would like any further information whether that be to request support or offer it, please contact us on 07810271202.

Financial donations: You can donate directly to support the work of Newquay Foodbank via the purple donate button on the home page of their website: http://www.newquayfoodbank.co.uk/

Opening hours
Tuesday: 10am – Midday St Columba’s Church, St Columb Minor, Newquay, TR7 3EY

Friday: Midday – 2pm St Michael the Archangel Church, St Michael’s Road, Newquay, TR7 1RA

Saturday: 10am – Midday The Oasis Centre, 26A Fore Street, St Columb Major, Saint Columb, TR9 6RH
URL 1
http://www.newquayfoodbank.co.uk/
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/Newquay-Foodbank-699984567032215
Social media
Facebook
Contact Name
Sara Bennett
Phone/Mobile
+447810271202
Email
newquayfoodbank@gmail.com

Growbaby Falmouth

We provide good quality, new and second-hand, baby clothes and equipment (up to 5 years), completely free of charge, to anyone who needs it.

Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30

To receive clothes/equipment – book a slot at www.fb.com/book/falmouthvineyard

Growbaby is dependant on donations of good quality clothes and equipment – you can donate from 9:30 – 11:30 at the address below:

KCM Parish Hall, New Street,

Falmouth, TR11 3HX (Term time only)

For more information about Growbaby you can get in touch by emailing growbaby@falmouthvineyard.org

Address
KCM Parish Hall, New Street, Falmouth, TR11 3HX
Opening hours
Donations: Tuesdays 09:30 – 11:30 term time only. Collections: 10:00 – 11.30, pre-booked times only
URL 1
https://www.fb.com/book/falmouthvineyard
URL 2
https://www.falmouthvineyard.org/growbaby
Social media
Facebook
Email
growbaby@falmouthvineyard.org

Launceston Foodbank

All schools and agencies are operating differently due to Coronavirus. If you and your family are struggling due to being self-employed, have been furloughed by your employer, had your work hours reduced or you have been made redundant; then please contact us at Launceston Foodbank to discuss your individual situation: see contact details below.

We are here to help during these uncertain and worrying times.

Our Foodbank was officially opened on 10th December 2011. Over the years since we opened we have moved from opening two mornings a week to now five mornings to accommodate the rising number of local people who find themselves in crisis; we work with just over 80 agencies and groups ranging from local and village primary schools, churches, health visitors, midwives, support workers, social workers, addiction groups to name just a few.

We help people in time of crisis by providing 3 day food parcels when presented with a voucher obtained from one of our Referral Agencies.

In March 2015 we opened our Charity Shop on Newport Industrial Estate (opposite Jewsons). All the profits from the shop goes to ensure we have enough funding to keep the Foodbank open; we do not receive government or council funding so we have to make sure we have reserves in place for the future. We do apply for grants when available and have been very successful; we also receive individual donations from many in the community we. All profit will be used to run our Foodbank and other projects in Launceston we plan for the future.

Please support us either in donating food or items to the charity shop which can then be sold; we accept clothes, shoes, crockery, bric a brac, toys, games, books, puzzles and second hand furniture; unfortunately we cannot accept electrical items.

If you are unable to drop donations to a collection point then please contact us as we are able to collect.

Donations can be dropped at the foodbank during opening hours or via these supermarket donation points:

• Tesco Tavistock Rd, Launceston PL15 9HG

• Co-op Launceston, Newport Industrial Estate, Launceston, PL15 8EX

• Co-op Western Road, Launceston, PL15 7AU

• Co-op town centre,12-14 Broad Street, Launceston, PL15 8AE

Financial donations:

Cheques can be made payable to Launceston Foodbank Ltd and sent to:

Unit 13D, Newport Industrial Estate, Launceston, PL158EX.

Please contact us by phone or email todonate via a bank transfer or standing order. See https://launceston.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/

Address
Unit 13D, Newport Industrial Estate, Launceston, PL15 8EX
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 10am-12noon
URL 1
https://launceston.foodbank.org.uk/
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/launceston.foodbank.7
Social media
Facebook
Phone/Mobile
+441566779550
Email
manager@launceston.foodbank.org.uk
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