PARK COMMUNITY VENTURES

Park Community Ventures ethos is "Nourishing minds, building futures; Creating a stronger community through education and nutrition".

Initially established as a PTA within Park Community School, our charity has evolved into a multifaceted charity. The funds we secure are not only utilized for the benefit of the school's students but also extend to serve the broader community of Leigh Park an area of high disadvantage.

Our mission is to enhance educational achievement, resilience, and self-sufficiency among both students and the wider community. We achieve this by equipping young individuals with practical skills, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and providing workplace training. Additionally, we administer an assistance fund dedicated to supporting Leigh Park children, alleviating holiday hunger, and enriching cultural capital through initiatives like MUNCH Community Food Programme, Connect4Families and Young People holiday activities, and YES weekend visits.

What is the Munch Community Food Programme? Established in 2017, Munch initially aimed to offer complimentary meals during school holidays for children. However, its scope quickly expanded to encompass support for families, seniors, and individuals experiencing isolation or illness. Additionally, we extend our services by offering free tea-time meals every Tuesday. In 2020, we launched the Munch Community Food Pantry, which further assists families by offering a diverse selection of food items, ensuring maximum benefit with minimal cost.

The YES activities, which stand for Young Explorer Squad, involve fortnightly excursions led by adult volunteers, introducing young participants to new destinations and experiences. For many of our youth, who have primarily stayed within their local vicinity, visits to cities like London, Bournemouth, Chichester, Southampton, and Oxford are incredibly enriching. Traveling by bus, coach, and train, they share communal meals at restaurants. With participants of various ages, the outings foster a familial atmosphere, with older members often caring for and guiding the younger ones, resembling a large family outing.

The Connect4Families and Young People holiday activity program offers complimentary holiday activities for underprivileged families and youth. Throughout the holiday period, participants can enjoy a range of engaging activities hosted at the Park Community School site. By actively involving our community, we aim to foster growth, inspire higher goals, introduce novel experiences, and promote healthy lifestyles and well-being.