Beyond Food banks: Connecting to Critical Support Services in Newham via foodbanks (B348)
From "People Powered Stratford & West Ham"
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Proposed budget
Description
Beyond Food: Connecting Newham Residents to Critical Services via Foodbanks B348
What is the Beyond Food Project?
The Beyond Food project, led by Deep Boroughs Network in partnership with local foodbanks, universities (UEL), and the Stratford & Newham community, will research 30+ and support foodbank users in Stratford and West Ham from March 2026 to February 2027. Our initiatives will benefit thousands of people through shared insights and enhanced services. We will capture their real stories, challenges, and barriers through videos, photos, research, and interviews, so we can help improve their lives beyond food banks, focusing on critical areas such as mental health, housing, jobs, loneliness, disabilities, and community support.
Why This Matters
Newham’s £22.2 million homelessness overspend highlights the role of food banks in easing burdens. Many people in Newham's food banks face multiple challenges.
We want to connect them to helpful services, such as:
- Social prescribing (connecting people to community activities)
- Newham Leisure schemes (free or discounted activities)
- Gym and pharmacy vouchers
- Library support and community activities
- Mental health resources
- Well Newham networks
These connections will improve lives and ease pressure on the NHS. Foodbank users support reduces the impact of homelessness, improving community safety and spaces. Our work supports Newham’s online platforms and the Steps to Health framework.
We will also listen to residents’ experiences to make sure their voices shape the project.
How We Will Help
With funding from the PPP Grant (£20K) we will offer tailored support to vulnerable adults. This will:
- Improve their health, well-being, and connections to the community
- Create a simple mini-website linking to trusted services, making it easier for people to get help
- Signpost to expert wellbeing and health support services
- Combine storytelling, support, and community forums so residents can influence policies, services, and places
This project fights hunger, poverty, loneliness while supporting jobs, housing, mental health, and community strength in Newham's Stratford and West Ham.
Skills and Support Offered
The project will provide:
- Coaching and mentoring - Active listening
- Digital skills training
- Volunteer wellbeing support
- Construction training and job opportunities
- Research and Interviewing skills
Collaborators and Partners
We will work with:
- Public Health & Well-being Newham
- University of East London (UEL)
- Student & volunteer Support programmes to help Reflect and Grow
- Local construction (Developers)
- Stratford and Westham Foodbanks
Why This is Needed
Food insecurity makes life harder and increases inequality. Our approach builds trust with the community and fills gaps in support.
We will measure success by:
- Interviews and personal stories
- Successful connections to services
We understand that vulnerable adults may need help.
We will collect feedback and hold a community showcase to share results.
Activities will take place at:
The Carpenters and Docklands Centre, Stratford, London, E15
Get Involved
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