United Response’s Community Network provides a home away from home for local residents of all ages to take part in fun activities and make new friends.
The team needs funds so they can continue their 'Local Larder' project, providing free food to those in need.
The Community Network is a registered Warm Space, providing somewhere to go free of charge while people's energy bills at home continue to soar over the Winter months. They also run a ‘Local Larder’ - a community fridge scheme that provides free food and toiletries to families in need. This is vital as recent statistics show that 33.3% of children aged 0-15 in Folkestone and Hythe are living in poverty.
Collecting leftover food from local supermarkets, The Local Larder now has connections with Tesco, Booker, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Lidl, Kent Farms and The Locavore Project as well as some other local shops and schools.
One Larder user said:
Being unemployed can be difficult but the Larder has made a positive change for me, my mum and nephew...
Home to art exhibitions and coffee mornings, a community radio station hosted by people with disabilities and autism, and popular events including Pride and Black History Month celebrations. They also provide volunteering opportunities including a community litter-picking group.
Martyn, who attends weekly art classes at The Community Network, said:
I’ve had a lot of hard times in my life. Painting helps my mental health – there’s no way I’d be without it.
Please give whatever you can to help those in need.