Inspiring change together

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• Share Edna's Laundrette on Facebook Share Edna's Laundrette on Twitter Share Edna's Laundrette on Linkedin Email Edna's Laundrette link

  Edna's Laundrette

  almost 2 years ago

  Edna’s Laundrette is named after 87-year-old local volunteer, Edna.

  This new facility based in the New Images Youth and Community Centre on Nixon Drive, Winsford is free to use.

  Watch the video and give it a whirl soon!
  
  
  You can book a two-hour slot to wash and dry your clothes, bedding and other items on a Tuesday between 9.30am and 3pm or a Wednesday between 12 noon and 3pm. Alternatively, on a Saturday you can walk in and use the facilities anytime between 10am and 4pm.

  It’s more than just a space to do your laundry it’s a community... Continue reading

  Edna’s Laundrette is named after 87-year-old local volunteer, Edna.

  This new facility based in the New Images Youth and Community Centre on Nixon Drive, Winsford is free to use.

  Watch the video and give it a whirl soon!
  
  
  You can book a two-hour slot to wash and dry your clothes, bedding and other items on a Tuesday between 9.30am and 3pm or a Wednesday between 12 noon and 3pm. Alternatively, on a Saturday you can walk in and use the facilities anytime between 10am and 4pm.

  It’s more than just a space to do your laundry it’s a community space that also hosts training courses and drop-in sessions on a range of topics.

  Edna’s Laundrette has been funded by the People’s Health Trust Lottery.
  
  
  
• Share Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) on Facebook Share Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) on Twitter Share Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) on Linkedin Email Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) link

  Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB)

  almost 2 years ago
  

  
  Hello there!

  We are the Green Uniform and Baby Bank, but you can call us GUBB. We are a non-profit, volunteer led organisation, based in Winsford, who help people with the living costs associated with their young families. Emma Ball is our Founder and Director, and is supported by co-Directors Vanessa Tobin and Michelle Hawthorne, along with our team of volunteers.

  We started life over 5 years ago in a cupboard in a Dinner Lady’s home in Winsford. Our Emma, as a mother to four, realised that when her growing children needed the next size school uniform, there was nowhere... Continue reading

  
  Hello there!

  We are the Green Uniform and Baby Bank, but you can call us GUBB. We are a non-profit, volunteer led organisation, based in Winsford, who help people with the living costs associated with their young families. Emma Ball is our Founder and Director, and is supported by co-Directors Vanessa Tobin and Michelle Hawthorne, along with our team of volunteers.

  We started life over 5 years ago in a cupboard in a Dinner Lady’s home in Winsford. Our Emma, as a mother to four, realised that when her growing children needed the next size school uniform, there was nowhere to readily exchange second-hand items to keep financial and environmental costs low and that’s how the Winsford Uniform Exchange was born. It soon became clear that pre-school needs were also creating financial pressures for families. So, three years later, when the opportunity to continue the ‘Pass It On Baby Bank’ community project was presented to Emma, she couldn’t say no.

  Together, the GUBB aim to help young families to save money whilst reducing waste and inequality to improve their futures. We do this largely by selling uniform and baby items generously donated by the community. All funds, after paying our running costs, are put back into mid-Cheshire communities through local events and initiatives. We offer good quality, used, logo and generic primary and secondary uniform items.

  At GUBB, a full uniform costs less than £25.00, which is a huge and important saving for families at a time when money is expected to go further. We also offer pre-loved baby equipment, all in good condition.

  It is estimated that families can expect to pay over £9,000 in a baby’s first year and so we provide families with an opportunity to save money here too. Our baby items are typically priced between 10p for baby clothing to £60.00 for a pram.

  GUBB is more than a way of diverting items away from landfill. Our community, who donate and shop with us, are not only recycling used goods into our Community Shop but enable us to provide more support to people who really need it.

  Just imagine for a moment you are 19, and pregnant for the first time.

  You and your young partner have no family networks to support you. It will take 6 weeks for your Universal Credit to come through, and there is so much to buy and sort. You feel lost and don’t have a clue where to start. This was the situation of a young girl that came into us.

  Our volunteers, most of whom are mum’s themselves, rallied around. We agreed for her and her partner to come in each week to talk through the items they would need. We were able to get all the essentials for the baby’s arrival and agreed they only needed to pay a small contribution, £20.00, for everything.

  For this young person, it provided a safe place to access support, and gave them the relief of knowing that they would have everything that was needed at an extremely sensitive time, but without putting financial pressure on an already very stretched budget.

  Location and opening times
  Our Community Shop is open to everyone, you do not need a referral. You can find us on the First Floor of the Community Hub, High Street, CW7 2AS.
  
  We are open every Tuesday 9.30am until 12.00 noon, and Thursday 5.00pm to 7.00pm every week, and the first Saturday of the month.

  If you want to find out more or have any questions, you can contact us via our Webpage

  https://greenuniformandbabybankltd.org/, on Facebook, call us on 07835851908 or email us at info@greenuniformandbabybankltd.org.

  If you prefer in person, you can pop into our Community Shop during our opening hours, and we are always happy to have a chat!
• Share Period Dignity on Facebook Share Period Dignity on Twitter Share Period Dignity on Linkedin Email Period Dignity link

  Period Dignity

  almost 2 years ago
  

  
  At Motherwell Cheshire, we’ve always believed that no girl or woman should have to worry about their period or not be able to afford the essential items they need. So, we have recently launched our Period Dignity campaign.
  
  Since the campaign began in 2023, we’ve received a constant stream of requests for items, from sports clubs or local groups wanting supplies.
  
  We provide several different supply options - we have period bags, these in the main go to local sports clubs. The bags include period items, hygiene wipes, hair bobbles, a hairbrush, deodorant etc. We can also provide our grab... Continue reading

  
  At Motherwell Cheshire, we’ve always believed that no girl or woman should have to worry about their period or not be able to afford the essential items they need. So, we have recently launched our Period Dignity campaign.
  
  Since the campaign began in 2023, we’ve received a constant stream of requests for items, from sports clubs or local groups wanting supplies.
  
  We provide several different supply options - we have period bags, these in the main go to local sports clubs. The bags include period items, hygiene wipes, hair bobbles, a hairbrush, deodorant etc. We can also provide our grab bags tray, these are bags of either tampons, pads or mixed. And finally, we can provide a desk tray, these are a tray of sanitary items, similar to a period bag but these fit in a work’s drawer and contain toothpaste, a toothbrush, lip balm etc.

  Anyone and everyone can access our period dignity supplies. All they need to do is contact Motherwell Cheshire by either calling the office or emailing the hub with their request.

  Telephone: 01606 557666, Text: 07496 160930

  Email:motherwellhub@motherwellcheshirecio.com
• Share OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on Facebook Share OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on Twitter Share OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on Linkedin Email OPAL (Older People Active Lives) link

  OPAL (Older People Active Lives)

  about 2 years ago
  

  OPAL Services together provide many and various social connections for no, or at a minimum, cost and are proving to be a big help to older people and carers in the current economic climate.

  OPAL offers a whole range of support to older people and their carers living in rural parts of west Cheshire. Our services offer opportunities for people to socialise in settings that are local and accessible to them and are warm and inviting.

  We also support older people and carers in accessing the internet safely and thus potentially obtaining the most advantageous deals when making purchases online... Continue reading

  OPAL Services together provide many and various social connections for no, or at a minimum, cost and are proving to be a big help to older people and carers in the current economic climate.

  OPAL offers a whole range of support to older people and their carers living in rural parts of west Cheshire. Our services offer opportunities for people to socialise in settings that are local and accessible to them and are warm and inviting.

  We also support older people and carers in accessing the internet safely and thus potentially obtaining the most advantageous deals when making purchases online. Our services are either donation based or charge a very reasonable amount for the service on offer. Such services are subsidised heavily by us in order to keep the cost down. We also have a policy which enables us to take full account of, and to respond positively to, anyone unable to pay a charge for a service.

  For more information about OPAL’s services, or becoming a volunteer, please visit our web site www.opalservices.org.uk or email us at contactus@opalservices.org.uk.
  
  OPAL is a registered charity no.1143753
• Share Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack on Facebook Share Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack on Twitter Share Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack on Linkedin Email Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack link

  Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack

  about 2 years ago
  

  
  We set up the Uniform Union and Story Shack in September 2023 to make sure that all our pupils had the same access to uniform, and the opportunity to loan educational games and books to enjoy at home with their family.

  To begin with we purchased a cabin online, which was installed during the summer break by our site manager. This was the only financial outlay by the school as all items of clothing, books and games are donated. Plus, the Uniform Union and Story Shack are run by a dedicated team of parent volunteers.

  As well as providing access... Continue reading

  
  We set up the Uniform Union and Story Shack in September 2023 to make sure that all our pupils had the same access to uniform, and the opportunity to loan educational games and books to enjoy at home with their family.

  To begin with we purchased a cabin online, which was installed during the summer break by our site manager. This was the only financial outlay by the school as all items of clothing, books and games are donated. Plus, the Uniform Union and Story Shack are run by a dedicated team of parent volunteers.

  As well as providing access to good-quality, pre-loved uniform for our families, the Story Shack also encourages our children to read more and develop a love for reading. By recycling these items, we want our pupils to understand the environmental impact and that it’s better to reuse and repurpose something than throw it way, where it becomes landfill.

  Uniform Union
  When we started out, we already had a stock of pre-loved uniform which had been donated to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) as well as many items of unnamed lost property. We also asked parents and carers of pupils leaving in Year Six to donate their children’s uniform when they left to ensure that we had stock in all sizes, and to ensure that this was put to good use and not wasted once children had moved on.

  It is important to us that the uniform is displayed smartly. Pre-loved uniform is laundered and then hung in size order on quality hangers. The Uniform Union is well ordered and so user-friendly.

  Families using the Union may leave a donation if they wish to, but this is not mandatory. Families may help themselves to any items of pre-loved uniform or PE kit.
  
  The Union is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm and is well used by a huge cross-section of our school community.

  Story Shack
  The Story Shack contains lots of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as educational games and jigsaws. Families who loan items do not need to book them out or seek permission to take them. All that we ask is that items are returned to school with all the pieces included and in good condition, so that the item may be loaned by another family in the future.

  Families are encouraged to donate pre-loved games and books, which means that our Story Shack stock is continually refreshed. Books from the school library that are no longer suitable for the library but could still be of interest to children and their families are donated to the Story Shack.

  The Story Shack is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 3.30pm and all families are welcome, including those who access the nursery based on our school site.

  All resources available are suitable for children 3-11 years.

  Parent and carer comments

  “My child really enjoys having a new game or book to borrow. It also helps him to understand that it is good to donate stuff too for other people to enjoy. The Uniform Union is fantastic for saving money and waste.”

  “Uniform Union – Absolutely amazing idea. Saving a lot of money on uniforms and most importantly, recycling.”

  “Oh we absolutely love the Story Shack! We are there a minimum of two or three times a week!”

  Following the success of the Uniform Union and Story Shack, we have opened a third facility called the Community Cabin. This is a general clothing and footwear store which contains pre-loved, clean everyday clothing for children and adults. This is in its infancy at present, but we hope that it will be well used by our school community. We also plan to add a section in the Cabin containing tinned foods which families can help themselves to. Stock for the clothing and tinned food areas of the Community Cabin are sourced from donations from our school family.
  
  Headteacher Ros Flanders, said: “Establishing the Story Shack and the Uniform Union has been a great investment. We have seen the positive impact and effect that these facilities have had on our school community, who are committed to donating items and using the services so that they will remain sustainable into the future.”
• Share Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis on Facebook Share Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis on Twitter Share Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis on Linkedin Email Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis link

  Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis

  over 2 years ago
  

  Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help people take control of their bills, save energy in the home and access other services and initiatives available. We work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

  Our support is available to a wide range of people, many of whom are struggling for the first time so don’t be shy about reaching out for help. In the UK, changes to energy prices and ongoing financial pressures as a result of the cost of living crisis has left many people finding it... Continue reading

  Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help people take control of their bills, save energy in the home and access other services and initiatives available. We work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

  Our support is available to a wide range of people, many of whom are struggling for the first time so don’t be shy about reaching out for help. In the UK, changes to energy prices and ongoing financial pressures as a result of the cost of living crisis has left many people finding it hard to heat their homes. If you or someone you know are worried about energy and water bills, then we might be able to help.

  Some of the reasons people ask for help are:

  • struggling to pay energy bills
  • finding it hard to manage fuel and water debt
  • worrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heating
  • feeling that the home is cold, damp or draughty
  • Have a health condition affected by the cold such as respiratory problems and mental ill health.

  Our support includes the installation of small energy saving measures such as draughtproofing and radiator foils, help with boiler and heating controls, smart meters, water meters, fuel and water debt, registration on suppliers Priority Services Register, grants, behavioural change advice, referrals for free gas safety checks and financial assistance where available.

  The scheme is open to residents across Cheshire West and Chester with a focus on families and individuals who:

  • have a low household income
  • are living with debt
  • are aged over 65
  • are living with a health condition affected by the cold
  • are living with mental illness
  • are living with dementia
  • have a disability
  • are young people and families containing children under the age of 5
  • are pregnant
  • are in emergency accommodation
  • are living in poor housing conditions.

  To find out more about our service please visit www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor

  Email: greendoctor.CLM@groundwork.org.uk
  Phone: 0330 1740 863

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand on Facebook Share KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand on Twitter Share KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand on Linkedin Email KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand link

  KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand

  over 2 years ago
  

  Back in 2018, Cathy Pettingale was watching a television interview of a young mother. The young mother talked about being forced to decide whether she should spend her remaining money on food so her children could eat, or heating so her children could keep warm. Overwhelmed with compassion, Cathy was compelled to do something to help families experiencing similar circumstances within her community – that’s when KidsBank Chester was formed, taking the first referral in May 2019.

  KidsBank offers support to families with children aged between 0-12 years. Support can be accessed through:
  
  Self-Referral – a family can self-refer... Continue reading

  Back in 2018, Cathy Pettingale was watching a television interview of a young mother. The young mother talked about being forced to decide whether she should spend her remaining money on food so her children could eat, or heating so her children could keep warm. Overwhelmed with compassion, Cathy was compelled to do something to help families experiencing similar circumstances within her community – that’s when KidsBank Chester was formed, taking the first referral in May 2019.

  KidsBank offers support to families with children aged between 0-12 years. Support can be accessed through:
  
  Self-Referral – a family can self-refer for clothing (including school uniform), toiletries and nappies by simply filling in a form on the KidsBank website.
  Refer Yourself – Kids Bank (kidsbankchester.com)

  
  Professional Referral – a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, social worker or other front-line professional can complete a form with the family. The referral can be for clothing, toiletries, nappies, as well as other equipment such as feeding equipment, bedding, changing mats, prams, and safety gates. A professional referral form is available on the KidsBank website.
  Professional referral – Kids Bank (kidsbankchester.com)

  KidsBank collects new and pre-loved items for babies and children - clothes, equipment, school uniform, toys and toiletries. We distribute these items to struggling families across Cheshire and Flintshire.
  
  A team of 30 dedicated volunteers manage the day-to-day processing of donations, preparation of referrals, and deliveries.
  
  KidsBank’s mission is to alleviate the impact of childhood poverty by providing practical help as quickly as possible. Cathy’s hope is that the children KidsBank help will not have to go without essentials and that parents know there is support available from people who care.

  Over 151,000 items have been gifted to KidsBank families since it was setup.
• Share Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign on Facebook Share Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign on Twitter Share Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign on Linkedin Email Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign link

  Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign

  over 2 years ago
  

  In these challenging times, where the cost of living is on a steady rise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a luxury. That's where Brio Leisure's Stay Active 4 Less campaign comes into play.

  Understanding the financial pressures faced by many, we wanted to demonstrate our continued commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Stay Active 4 Less is not just a campaign, it's a solution designed to keep everyone active and healthy in these financially difficult times.

  Firstly, the campaign introduces Exercise 4 Less, offering innovative and free fitness classes that you can enjoy in the... Continue reading

  In these challenging times, where the cost of living is on a steady rise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a luxury. That's where Brio Leisure's Stay Active 4 Less campaign comes into play.

  Understanding the financial pressures faced by many, we wanted to demonstrate our continued commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Stay Active 4 Less is not just a campaign, it's a solution designed to keep everyone active and healthy in these financially difficult times.

  Firstly, the campaign introduces Exercise 4 Less, offering innovative and free fitness classes that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. These classes are tailored, led by our own Brio instructors to suit all fitness levels, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit.

  Nutrition is also a key focus. With Eat Healthy 4 Less, Brio Leisure acknowledges the rising food costs and provides resources to help you prepare nutritious, cost-effective meals. The downloadable recipe cards are a treasure trove of quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meal ideas.

  Moreover, Stay Healthy 4 Less extends beyond physical health, offering valuable tips and blogs on saving money and maintaining mental well-being.

  For those new to Brio Leisure, there's an enticing offer: a free 7-day pass to our gyms, pools, off-peak racquet sports and fitness classes. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the quality facilities and supportive community environment first hand.

  Stay Active 4 Less is all about building a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle for the residents of Cheshire West and Chester.
  
  Stay Active 4 Less
• Share Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester on Facebook Share Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester on Twitter Share Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester on Linkedin Email Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester link

  Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester

  over 2 years ago
  

  Soul Kitchen is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting those who are homeless, in temporary accommodation, or who are generally struggling due to the rising cost of living and other life experiences.

  Our ethos is to help people get back on their feet through food and friendship. Building up relationships and trust is key to our success.

  We provide a weekly drop-in provision at Campbell Hall, Boughton (opposite The Bike Factory) on a Saturday evening between 5pm and 6.30pm. A warm welcome and a friendly face awaits anyone and everyone who is in need... Continue reading

  Soul Kitchen is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting those who are homeless, in temporary accommodation, or who are generally struggling due to the rising cost of living and other life experiences.

  Our ethos is to help people get back on their feet through food and friendship. Building up relationships and trust is key to our success.

  We provide a weekly drop-in provision at Campbell Hall, Boughton (opposite The Bike Factory) on a Saturday evening between 5pm and 6.30pm. A warm welcome and a friendly face awaits anyone and everyone who is in need of help. We provide our guests with a hot meal, toiletries, clothing, and any other kind of support that’s required.

  Our drop-in venue not only provides people with an escape from the elements outside whatever the weather, which is so important at this time of year, it has toilet and shower facilities too.

  As well as food and clothing support we offer weekly cookery sessions, Soul in a Bowl, helping people to learn how to cook on a budget. The sessions promote self confidence and self-esteem as well as teaching cookery skills and providing a communal meal for everyone that comes along.

  For more information about the support services we offer, or if you’d like to volunteer with us, visit: https://soulkitchenchester.org.uk

  We do not recommend bringing under 18s to Soul Kitchen.
• Share Mid Cheshire Foodbank on Facebook Share Mid Cheshire Foodbank on Twitter Share Mid Cheshire Foodbank on Linkedin Email Mid Cheshire Foodbank link

  Mid Cheshire Foodbank

  over 2 years ago
  

  
  

  Mid Cheshire Foodbank provides food support for those in emergency food crisis. To receive a food parcel, you need to be referred to the foodbank. Most community-based groups are referrers such as schools, doctors, churches etc.

  After receiving one or two food parcels, it’s important that the referral comes via a referral agency such as Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) HELP team, Weaver Vale Housing Trust (if you are a tenant), or Citizens Advice Northwich / Winsford. Referral agencies can provide advice on finances and also signpost you to other support services to address the underlying causes that have... Continue reading

  
  

  Mid Cheshire Foodbank provides food support for those in emergency food crisis. To receive a food parcel, you need to be referred to the foodbank. Most community-based groups are referrers such as schools, doctors, churches etc.

  After receiving one or two food parcels, it’s important that the referral comes via a referral agency such as Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) HELP team, Weaver Vale Housing Trust (if you are a tenant), or Citizens Advice Northwich / Winsford. Referral agencies can provide advice on finances and also signpost you to other support services to address the underlying causes that have led to the crisis.

  CW&C Help team - T: 0808 175 3599 (9am – 5pm)
  Weaver Vale Housing Trust T: 0300 303 9848
  Citizens Advice T: 0808 278 7806 - Citizens Advice do a drop in at Northwich Methodist Centre on Witton Street on Thursday afternoons and at Wyvern House, Winsford, on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm.

  At Mid Cheshire Foodbank we provide 5 days of cupboard staples such as pasta, tinned tomatoes etc., fruit and vegetables towards your ‘5 a day’, bread and eggs - plus a token for a free visit to the community grocery, the Very Green Grocery, run by Changing Lives. When available, we also provide cleaning products, personal hygiene items and pet food.

  The foodbank operates 13 distribution centres across Northwich and Winsford with a centre open every weekday in each town. There are additional mobile collection points at Weaverham and Tarporley using the Mid Cheshire Foodbank van, providing provision to people living in rural areas.
  Distribution Centre locations and opening times

  More information about Mid Cheshire Foodbank is available on our website.
  Mid Cheshire Foodbank
  
  Very Green Grocery is open to anyone in the community. Their ethos is to prevent excess food in the retail and hospitality supply chains going to landfill. A £5 membership fee each visit gets you over £25 of food including refrigerated and frozen items. Customers to the grocery can choose an item from about 17 different options. Before visiting a Very Green Grocery, it’s worth checking their Facebook page for opening times, as they can change. There are two groceries, one on Manchester Road in Lostock and the other at the Old Job Centre, High Street, Winsford.
  
  For more information about what’s on offer at a Very Green Grocery, visit their Facebook page.
  Very Green Grocery Northwich
  Very Green Grocery Winsford

  Changing Lives runs various projects within the Cheshire Food Hub. They can give help with getting refurbished white goods, school uniform, furniture, decorating materials etc. To find out more about Changing Lives, visit Changing Lives Together

  Northwich Community Support are also passionate about reducing food waste, operating food hubs in Cuddington, Rudheath and Weaverham. A donation of just £1 is payable on the door for bread, fruit, and vegetables. Extra donations are required for foods such as meat, meals, and tinned items. Check out their Northwich Community Support Facebook page for opening times and location information.
  
  For more information about community groups currently providing food in other areas of the borough, visit the Welcome Network. Their interactive map will show you the nearest group in your local area.
  Welcome Network interactive map