Coop Local Community Fund provides vital funds for SMILE lone parent project
On Friday 2nd December, Jodie and Simon from the Coop in Poole presented Racheal, our SMILE Project Lead, with a cheque for £1,862. This was the culmination of a year of fundraising in local Coop shops. Coop members chose SMILE as their preferred project, and then Coop put aside 1% of what these members spent on their groceries in
Winter Support for those Rough Sleeping
The perils of sleeping rough are very real all year round. But at this time of year with sub-zero temperatures, wind and rain, the work of the local Homelessness Partnership BCP comes into full focus. Faithworks is a founder member of this Partnership and Alistair, their CEO, chairs the Partnership forum. As Christmas approaches people often enquire about what
Louie’s Story: Faithworks Recovery – a Completely Different Person
“I’ve been clean nearly 7 years. If I look back at myself it’s like I am a completely different person now. I used to sell drugs to people - I actually got into drugs because I got told by police, when coming in to school, this will kill you." Louie became involved with Faithworks Recovery in 2019 when he
Greg’s Story: Faithworks Recovery – Hope in a Better Future
“One day you will go on to help someone. Don’t think you are defined by your actions.” - Faithworks Recovery. Thrown out of the family home at the age of 16, Greg had to fend for himself. He explained: “I moved from place to place, got in with all the wrong crowd - to where I am now, I
Dorset Chamber of Commerce Make Faithworks it’s Christmas charity
Back in the Autumn, Ian Girling, the CEO of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce, approached Alistair the Faithworks CEO, about creating a Festive Food Bank at their Christmas gathering in December. Given the enormous financial challenges facing so many people this year, this felt like a way of bringing good news into a bad situation. And the idea captured
Project Christmas Hours 2022
Please note that our project Christmas hours 2022 are: Blandford Food Bank+ Closed on Tuesday 27th December Christchurch Food Bank+ Open as usual except on Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th December Poole Food Bank+ Open except on Tuesday 27th December *Please note the change in opening hours Wednesday 28th - Friday 30th December when Poole Food Bank+ will be
Wimborne Food Bank+ Community Meal – 8 December 2022
Last month Wimborne Food Bank+ launched their first community meal. Held at Elim Church, nineteen people came together to enjoy the autumnal mince, mashed potato and vegetables, followed by pineapple upside down cake covered in custard. Sharon, Wimborne Food Bank+ Manager said: "As a response to the cost of living crisis we wanted to work alongside the churches of
Investor Breakfast – 15 December 2022
“When people are housed, cared for and encouraged at the outset they have a much better chance of turning their lives around and making a new start." - Hope into Action Lead Investor Following the success of our last Investors' Breakfast we will be holding the second in December. The event provides an opportunity to find out about
Supporting Food Bank+ over Christmas
At a time when demand across Christchurch, Poole, Wimborne and Blandford Food Banks are up 42 per cent in the last three months, compared to last year, food donations are needed now more than ever. The reverse advent calendar is one way to ensure Christmas dinner can be enjoyed by individuals and families who otherwise would have to go
We’re Here Network and Warm Welcome Spaces
“Warm spaces” is fast becoming a theme this winter. Two older ladies recently came along to the first Warm Space meal at Wimborne Elim church run in conjunction with the Wimborne Food Bank+ team. They had never met before but hit it off to such an extent that one of them said: “Had an amazing afternoon and the meal
