Families across Wyre Forest are benefiting from improved access to fresh food, school essentials and community activities thanks to a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant.
The funding has enabled Wyre Forest Food Share & Community Café to expand its reach and increase support for vulnerable families across the district.
A key part of the project has been the introduction of a new van, which has significantly increased the ability to collect and redistribute surplus food. The vehicle is helping to rescue an average of 200 crates of food each week that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring more local families can access fresh and nutritious produce.
The growing demand for the service demonstrates the important role the organisation plays within the community. On a recent Sunday, enough food was distributed to support 140 visitors within just 90 minutes. Three weeks on and this number has doubled! Those households were estimated to be supporting up to 450 people, including family members and neighbours. In the last week alone, more than 300 people visited and accessed the organisation’s facilities and services.
Alongside food provision, work is progressing on the new school uniform shed, which is expected to be fully operational by half term. Despite construction work still being completed, the project has already helped many local children by providing school uniforms, shoes and other essential items, helping families manage the rising costs associated with education.
Once completed, the space will offer even more opportunities for young people, including a dedicated Book Nook where children and young people can relax, read and spend time with friends in a welcoming environment.
The grant has also supported a thriving youth darts club, which now attracts more than 25 young people every Tuesday evening. The club has helped bring together children and families from different backgrounds, including an increasing number of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families who are using the opportunity to access wider community activities and support.
Organisers hope to establish a youth darts team that will represent the area at matches and events across Worcestershire, with the new van providing valuable transport opportunities for participants.
What has been most remarkable, however, has been the way the project has brought people together. Participants ranging in age from two to 82 have taken part in activities side by side, creating opportunities for teamwork, friendship and mutual support.
Velda McMillan from Wyre Forest Food Share & Community Café said: “The funding from Public Health has helped us exceed our expectations of increasing engagement and contact with vulnerable families throughout the Wyre Forest. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved so far. From rescuing food and supporting families with school essentials to bringing generations together through community activities, the impact has been amazing to see. The teamwork, respect and support shown by everyone involved has been truly inspiring.”
Looking ahead, the organisation is planning a family fun day and community darts event during half term, alongside additional activities and entertainment designed to bring local residents together.
If you have an idea that could improve health, wellbeing or community connections in your area and would like to access a Community Wellbeing Grant, follow this link: Community Wellbeing Grants | Worcestershire County Council