Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Mitigation

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Poverty driver

• Provide benefit in-kind (material)
• Provide benefit in-kind (experience)
• Non-driver - improving quality of life

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Keywords

• Community engagement
• Food Poverty
• Social isolation
• Self empowerment
• Community partnerships

Aim

To develop bespoke solutions to issues experienced by the community in relation to fuel and food poverty, loneliness, and social isolation.

The initial aim was to provide warm spaces and free food to those in need within the community. Local groups would extend their existing provision to provide a timetable of opportunities throughout the week. The project has grown to include a wide range of other aspirations, such as supporting people with subsidised transport options, a Christmas present appeal, and school holiday activities. These sessions are provided within the Town Hall and wider community.

Summary

'Biddulph Works Together' is a partnership of organisations that work across Biddulph. Partners provide a range of opportunities and events for the community, from coffee mornings to community cinema sessions, craft activities and youth focused activities. The partnership is responsive to community needs and is promoted through the Town Council website and social media pages. They aim to help people in poverty but also to address other problems like loneliness. The partnership has identified needs within the town and sought to provide joined-up solutions to these, such as the provision of emergency food and fuel, and a town-wide Christmas present appeal.

What difference does it make?

'Biddulph Works Together' has eased some of the stresses expressed by the community by providing help, advice, and facilities to eat and stay warm whilst engaging in social activities.

Key take-aways

• Involve people who are committed to improving their local area, and to support others who aim to do so.
• Provide hot food served at each event.
• Always be willing to adapt and respond.
• Understand that volunteers are keen to support their community, but don’t make this too onerous. They are a valuable resource.

 

Organisations

Biddulph Town Council. Partners include faith-based organisations, Biddulph Local People’s Group, Citizens Advice, Foodbank, Biddulph Youth and Community Zone, Biddulph Library, the Green Tree House, social prescribers, Family Hub, and others.

Location

Biddulph (Staffordshire, England).

Project established after the COVID pandemic.

Contact