Cheshire Streetwise CIC was founded by Maggie and Iain Drew-Taylor over 8 years ago. This was in response to realising that there was a gap in the current provision for people struggling to have a voice heard in their community.
Maggie is a teacher and counsellor and with support from Iain began to provide Literacy and Numeracy for people in the community, plus computer courses, help with CVS, benefits, and a small foodbank. Streetwise began to grow and a meal was put on twice a week for anyone to access who was in need. These sessions became very popular and as Streetwise expanded, they set up a furniture reuse project which helped anyone who was homeless going into a place, or struggling to buy items. The project was successful and they were saving 1ton of furniture monthly, going into landfill. Also providing Preloved items for families and individuals in need.
The foodbank requirements grew and Streetwise ran one from their shop in the town centre and then from Calvary church as well on the Weston. During Covid, Streetwise was delivering over 300 parcels weekly out into the community. Partnering Calvary church at this time and together with the parcels, the church contributed a homemade nutritious meal to go out to people . We discovered during Covid that we might be the only people they had seen or spoken to all week. This was humbling and put things into perspective for our volunteers.
This is why, with all the increases, we know our foodbank facilities are much needed. Our volunteers collect waste food from supermarkets across the town, we prepare the food parcels and organise giving them out on set days. The massive benefit for Streetwise working with both Calvary and now the Salvation Army means that noone is turned away when hungry. If anyone is struggling and it's not a 'foodbank day' they can still get a parcel and find out the regular collection days.
As our furniture shop is moving, it's vital to Streetwise to have these caring partnerships in place. Both Calvary and Salvation Army want to provide for our community and believe in ensuring both the homeless and anyone struggling does not go hungry. Calvary offer a cup of tea and a listening ear, as do Salvation Army, and they also provide a weekly meal. We are definitely stronger together!
