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Local People Help Community Hub Serve Thousands in Need

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our local community in response to our Cost-of-Living appeal, we awarded a grant to The Water Eaton Community Hub so they could continue supporting local people during the challenging winter months.

Who are Water Eaton Community Hub and what do they do?

Water Eaton Community Hub is a welcoming and inclusive space dedicated to supporting the local community through a variety of initiatives. The Hub Larder offers a membership scheme that provides surplus supermarket food at affordable prices, making healthy food accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

The Community Fridge is open to all, helping to reduce food waste by sharing fresh, nutritious food that might otherwise go unused. The Soup for the Soul Café serves as a social hub where people can enjoy a light meal, connect with others, and access valuable information from local services like Citizens Advice and Diabetes UK.

By listening to the needs of its members, Water Eaton Community Hub creates a supportive environment that empowers individuals with the resources and connections they need.

What support did Water Eaton Community Hub need?

Water Eaton Community Hub needed support to continue its vital operations, which include providing affordable access to healthy food and creating a nurturing environment for the community.

Help was needed to cover the costs of running the Hub, including funding for two part-time staff members who could manage daily activities and ensure smooth operations.

They also needed support for expenses such as fuel for food collection, purchasing additional food supplies, and covering operational costs like rent.

The funding was crucial in enabling the Hub to maintain its services and continue making a positive impact on the local community.

With help from our Cost-of-Living grant, we’ve given out 217,800 food items, supported 29,280 families and poured 96,000 cups of tea for people in need in our community.

What difference did the grant make?

The £9,840 Cost-of-Living grant made a significant difference in the growth of Water Eaton Community Hub, allowing it to expand its services and reach more people in need. With additional funds, the Hub was able to purchase more food, ensuring a consistent and diverse supply of healthy options for the community.

This expansion not only increased the Hub's capacity but also created stronger connections within the community, as more individuals and families began to rely on the Hub for support.

The funding also enabled the Hub to deepen its impact, encouraging new relationships and a sense of belonging among members, which has played a huge part in strengthening the local community network.

Real Life Impact

The real-life impact of Water Eaton Community Hub is beautifully illustrated by the story of one of its members, a woman who initially sat in her car in the car park, too afraid to go inside. Suffering from agoraphobia and extreme loneliness, she hadn’t left her house in months.

A caring volunteer of the Hub noticed her, and began to chat with her week after week, slowly gaining her trust. Gradually, the woman began to venture into the café, staying for just a few minutes at first, but each time she grew more comfortable.

Now, her weekly visits to the Hub are something she looks forward to, offering her a vital connection to the outside world and a renewed sense of community.

Consider Supporting Invisible Poverty MK

Every penny donated to this appeal will directly fund charities supporting their local communities through the cost-of-living crisis.

About the author

MK Community Foundation