The idea
Thrive to survive are a local community organisation who support families and single parents who are in crisis/hardship. The amount of our clients who are struggling to access food support is overwhelming. Due to foodbanks relying on donations (in particular staple items with a long shelf life I.e tinned food, cereals and cupboard foods) a Foodbank is not always the best option for people especially if they have dietary requirements. People are having to sacrifice their health and having a healthy diet due to them not being able to afford it and this is not fair! Research shows that not maintaining a healthy diet can lead to health issues in the long term such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Why should people be made to suffer simply because they can’t afford it - this is not right. Same with people who are unable to afford personal hygiene products, one of our clients has missed out on job offers because they can’t afford to shower and wash themselves. This is wrong.
What we'll deliver
- 25 healthy food packs per week for six months
- 25 personal hygiene packs per week for six months
- Recipes and cooking instructions included in each pack
Why it's a great idea
By us providing healthy food and personal hygiene packs, it will help improve their mental and physical health. The hygiene packs will also help benefit their prospects of employability and general wellbeing. Providing this service at a time when people find it hard to make ends meet it will also aid them in getting back on their feet once more.
Steps to get it done
- Buying the food items for packs
- Buying personal hygiene products for packs
- Recruit an additional 5 volunteers and train them on how to make up the packs and distribute
- Speak to our partnering schools to see what families may need additional support from Thrive to Survive
- Marketing and materials
Thrive to survive offer weekly drop in sessions at the Let’s Talk Space at Ellesmere Port market as well as fortnightly at Thelwell Community Centre on Thursdays at 10 - 2. We offer advice and support on what support people can access by helping them to navigate them as well as be that helping hand.
