Who are we?
The Brick are a charity based in Wigan. We've been tackling poverty and homelessness across the borough for the past decade.
We provide advice, guidance, accommodation and essential items such as food and clothing.
Our services are a vital lifeline for many people in the borough experiencing poverty.
Community impact
We are based in a very underprivileged area where many people are living on or under the poverty line.
The cost-of-living crisis is having a severe and heart-breaking impact on a huge number of people in our community. More people are coming to us for help as they are facing sky high fuel and food bills that they simply cannot pay.
The Food Community has been essential for people in the local area to access food and other essential items for their families. It's also been a space to access support and guidance with a variety of challenges people are facing during this cost-of-living crisis.
This winter we are offering safe warm welcoming atmosphere for anyone and everyone to come along out of the cold.
Here are some comments made by our visitors;
'I can't believe what you have here. It's just what I needed.'
'I was ashamed. I've never asked for help. You were amazing. Everyone was so warm and kind.'
'I (foster) care for two severely traumatised children. I can't believe how much you have helped us all.'
Why are we crowdfunding?
The Food Community gains most of its funding from public donations and the generosity of local businesses.
We were planning to open our Community Kitchen in September but the increased demand for support, the extra costs incurred through opening as a warm space and the increase in utility and energy bills means we've not been able to.
Opening the Community Kitchen will provide a space for those struggling in the community to access nutritious meals at a low cost, improve their knowledge and skills of economical cooking and heating and socialise in a safe environment.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The money raised will help the Community Kitchen to pay for fresh food, cover energy costs and cover the cost of a trained chef.
Everyone will be welcome to come to the Community Kitchen.