The Impact of Our Support
For over a decade, we've seen the profound difference our community-led efforts have made in the lives of individuals and families. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a trusted source of support, providing not just food assistance but also hope and dignity to those navigating hardship in West Northumberland.
In our 11th year (October 2023 - September 2024), we continued to face growing challenges, with demand for our services reaching new heights. Despite this, we achieved significant milestones, thanks to the continued support of our community.
Explore our Year 11 Impact Report to see how we’ve continued to support people in West Northumberland through another year of growing need.
In our 11th year (October 2023 - September 2024), we continued to face growing challenges, with demand for our services reaching new heights. Despite this, we achieved significant milestones, thanks to the continued support of our community.
Explore our Year 11 Impact Report to see how we’ve continued to support people in West Northumberland through another year of growing need.
Our last project year in numbers
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Personalised support, real changeLaunched in July 2024 and funded in part by The National Lottery Community Fund, our Outreach Pilot is transforming how we support individuals facing complex challenges. By offering one-to-one, person-led assistance, Outreach Support Worker Ellie Whitfield collaborates with individuals to develop tailored action plans that address their unique circumstances. Whether it's navigating benefits, reconnecting with healthcare services, or overcoming isolation, this flexible approach is designed with each person, not for them. So far, 32 households have been supported through the pilot, each taking meaningful steps toward improved well-being.
Stories from the people we supportMartin and Veronica's stories are just some of the thousands of individuals we supported in Year 11. Each person we assist has their own unique story, and while both Martin and Veronica’s experiences are personal, they reflect the challenges and resilience shared by so many in our community.
In order to protect our recipients' identities, the names and photos used are not real.
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Click to hear Martin tell his story.
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MARTIN'S STORY
Martin never imagined he’d need to ask for help. At 65, working part-time as a cleaner, he did everything he could to manage, but rising costs made it harder to keep up. His home had storage heaters he couldn’t afford to use, and with only bare floorboards in his hallway and bedroom, the cold was unbearable. Applying for support through official channels felt overwhelming. When he contacted the food bank, we introduced him to our Outreach Support Worker, Ellie. |
She helped him navigate the system, but when it became clear he wouldn’t get the help he needed through the official channels, we stepped in. Thanks to our Hardship Fund, we were able to arrange for Tynedale Carpets to fit carpets in his hallway and bedroom, making an immediate difference. With carpets in place, along with a low-energy tabletop heater and a heated blanket, Martin finally had some relief from the cold. More than just practical support, it meant feeling seen and cared for—something he never expected when he first reached out.
Read more about how Tynedale Carpets got involved here.
Read more about how Tynedale Carpets got involved here.
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Click to hear Veronica tell her story.
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VERONICA'S STORY
At 74, Veronica lives alone in a small, remote village. With no nearby family and limited transport, her days are quiet and often lonely. She receives the basic state pension, and a small private pension from her late husband means she just misses out on Pension Credit. It’s a gap that leaves her struggling to afford essentials — especially heating. For years, Veronica relied on solid fuel to warm her home, but as prices rose, it became unaffordable. |
She wrapped herself in blankets and used a small electric heater only when absolutely necessary. Some nights were so cold, she could see her breath in the air. But she kept it to herself — not wanting to be a burden.When she finally reached out to the food bank, we introduced her to our Outreach Support Worker, Ellie. Through the pilot, we were able to offer personalised, practical help — including arranging a delivery of solid fuel so she could light her stove again. We also connected her with Age UK to access longer-term support.
The Outreach Pilot is designed to reach people like Veronica — those facing hardship alone, often out of sight. For her, it meant more than staying warm. It meant being seen, listened to, and no longer having to manage everything on her own.
Read more about our Outreach Pilot here.
The Outreach Pilot is designed to reach people like Veronica — those facing hardship alone, often out of sight. For her, it meant more than staying warm. It meant being seen, listened to, and no longer having to manage everything on her own.
Read more about our Outreach Pilot here.
Help Us Make a Difference
Your support keeps our doors open and our vans on the road, delivering essential food and supplies to families, children, and elderly neighbours who need them most. Every contribution – big or small – goes directly to providing food, warmth, and security for those struggling to get by in our community. With demand expected to rise in the coming months, your donation can ensure no one faces the these challenges alone.
To make a one-off or regular monthly donation, click the button below.
To make a one-off or regular monthly donation, click the button below.
