Bexhill Family Collective Community Pantry

Who are we?

The Bexhill Family Collective CIC was originally formed as a direct response to East Sussex County Council's decision to close 15 children's centres and 2 children centre nurseries. We opened our Community Nursery in March 2021. 

The pandemic and cost of living crisis has provoked us to extend our commitment to the families of Bexhill by providing free family activities such as Community Forest School, afternoon allotment sessions, contributing to local HAF projects and now our Community Pantry and warm space offer. 

Community impact

Our organisation works to ensure that barriers to education, work and leisure are removed for Local families. Our community nursery is fairly priced with no hidden small print so parents know what they need to pay and when. We work with families to support them and refer them to other services. We also work to ensure that barriers to education are removed by giving every child a rich curriculum full of local and cultural experiences so that all children start school on a level playing field. 

More recently, we have recognised our unique situation and position to help adults and families during the cost-of-living and climate emergency crisis. Alongside our food distribution offer, we have now opened up a "warm space". This is not just for families who are struggling to heat their homes, but also for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and share energy rather than heat a separate space. Our Community Pantry offer prevents food going to landfill and in turn reduces local food waste. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

We have received funding through the Sussex Community Fund which will help cover our running costs. However, the funding does not cover all our costs and as the word spreads we will need to train additional staff and volunteers to support the project. We predict that a further £2000 would be required in order to keep the project running until the end of March 2023. 

Increased running costs have impacted all businesses, and Bexhill Family Collective CIC are no exception. Our food and resources bills have risen by approximately 20% over the last year. We wish to continue to support our community and therefore, have no intention of increasing our nursery fees or charging for our activities in order to keep our projects alive. This is where your support is so necessary.

If you feel that you cannot help us financially, please consider volunteering a few hours on a Wednesday morning to serve tea and cake, and get to know some wonderful people. If interested please contact [email protected]

How we’ll spend the money raised

It’s important to be transparent about how you plan to spend the money you raise. Your audience will be more likely to make a pledge if they can see how their donation will help. 

Money raised will be spent on the following:

• Training and induction for volunteers
• Adding ambient food supplies to our food waste offer.
• Ensuring that everyone who attends the "Wednesday warmer" has the option of leaving with a bowl of soup in their bellies.
• Adult well being resources such as puzzles and games. Where possible, we are hoping to get local artists to come and show case new skills for attendees to try for fun. 
• A paid member of staff who will receive specific training to support vulnerable people, being upskilled to signpost and ensure people receive the help they need e.g. housing, debt