OUR WEEKLY COMMUNITY ACTIVITY UPDATE

We made 27 transactions this week .

We gave the children of  a refugee family  living in poverty beautiful home made quilts made by a member of Community Craft Group. The family were so touched that their support worker wanted us to know how much these quilts meant to the family. " Something they will treasure for the rest of their lives because they were made with love and looked so beautiful".

We were given 10 boxes of new trainers and tops from Goods for Goods.  We have already given some tops, these have been well received - nice and warm and smart.

Hyde Housing Association  are to give us £100 for pants, their  offices have also collected new pants for families.

The family leaving Woman's Refuge  we helped with small electric goods and bedding had everything they owned destroyed by the abuser.  We helped them with some essential items for their new safe home. The girls were especially excited by a new sandwich toaster

Refused 6 requests.

We undertook 28 transactions.

We provided some storage boxes to help a Mum start tidying her home and demonstrating that she can care for her children. Mum was not coping with looking after her children but with a bit of support she is turning things around. The storage boxes are just one step on that journey.

A family of 4 children had outgrown all their clothing. Now they all have a full set of everything including underwear. The children were very excited, even the 13-year-old girl who got some trendy outfits.

A double buggy will help Mum to transport her youngest two children to the GP surgery. Both children are quite poorly and need regular medical intervention. The buggy has really helped make Mum's life easier.

We refused 5 requests this week.

We completed 25 orders this week, with 5 complicated orders awaiting the arrival of missing items.

We had an emergency call for nappies and wipes for a female refugee living in Tangmere. She had used her last nappy and had no money to buy more. We were able to come to her aid.

We supplied a double buggy to a mum fleeing domestic abuse. She had had to leave everything behind when she fled for her life. In her temporary flat in the middle of nowhere she was isolated with 2 small children. The buggy has meant she can get out, shop, meet people, and go to the playground. Mum said it has changed her life, made the children happy, and helped her to see a better future.

We gave a lightweight stroller to a mother who lives in a flat on the fourth floor (no lift) with her 18-month-old daughter who has sclerosis. She was trapped. With our help she is now able to enjoy going out with her daughter, who loves looking at buses and cars driving past as they go for their daily walk.

We helped a Mum who has escaped domestic abuse, and put together a uniform so that she could get a job working in a cafe.

We helped Early Intervention support a family in which 4 children have been neglected and are on a Child Protection plan. We supplied bedding and clothing for all the children. This has helped Mum who was struggling and has opened the door for the Intervention Team to start working with Mum to look after her children. 

In January 2026 we worked 217 hours on community business and travelled 402 miles to complete community work.

We refused 7 requests this week.

We completed 35 orders this week.

We gave a double amputee a leather armchair, which will give him comfort.

There was great need this week with most of our requests coming from families and individuals with nothing.

Match My Project agreed to allocate funds for 6 irons and 6 microwaves.

We received £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund. We are immensely grateful to the National Lottery for their support

We helped a family with furniture. They had to leave their home because of mould.  Their young son was admitted to hospital because he was unable to breathe. The family lost everything in their home because it was contaminated. 

We refused 6 requests this week.

We completed 28 deliveries this week and are working on several more.

V2 Radio are doing a 'Beds for Kids' appeal in March on our behalf.

We gave a lot of warm clothing to the homeless in Chichester, both men and women.  The numbers are growing weekly. Many are sleeping out in all weathers. Many have mental health problems.

We are giving a single bed with a mattress to a family with 2 children aged 3 and 6 years. They are on a Child Protection plan due to neglect. One child is currently sleeping on a mattress on the floor and the springs have gone and it is extremely uncomfortable.  This will make a difference to a little boy getting a good night’s sleep.

Local publishing company John Wiley is giving us Easter Eggs this year for families in need.

Application made to 'Match My Project' for irons and microwaves.

Professional partners (e.g. social services, early help, housing associations) have been informed about our Easter Eggs for families in need initiative.

We refused 8 requests this week.