The Sherwood Exchange started out during Covid-19 when food and household goods were harder to obtain in shops. We relaunched our project on April 6th this year to ensure all members of our community and wider Nottingham could continue to have equal access to food and other essential items, especially as these are becoming unaffordable due to the cost of living crisis. Last year, we had 603 visitors in total, with 1,101 people in their households benefiting from the exchange.
Thanks to your generosity so far, we have purchased second-hand cupboards and even gained a fridge and rails to hang clothing, and boxes to store other donations we receive weekly. We have also secured everything required to meet fire and health and safety standards and have enough cleaning products and PPE to last us until the end of the year.
Since reopening, the exchange has been revisited every week by local residents, young parents, and people aged over sixty, many of whom have been adversely affected by the rising cost of living. For some, the exchange has become a source of comfort—a friendly place where a chat can help alleviate social isolation. For others, it has provided access to essential items, like children’s toys, that would otherwise be out of reach. Everyone who visits contributes to recycling and sharing resources, creating a space where people can give and take freely to improve their quality of life. This effort has made a meaningful difference in our community and across Nottingham.
Currently, we spend £180 a month on rent, which is due to rise in April. To meet growing demand, we also need to run an additional four-hour session each week, bringing our total rent to £400 per month to provide both a wellbeing session and two exchange openings every week. In addition, we need £36 per month to cover extra food sourced from FareShare to ensure we can provide enough for everyone visiting the exchange.
Once we have secured funding for these essentials, we plan to expand our wellbeing mornings and begin working towards incorporating a wellbeing café, providing a safe, welcoming space for social connection during the colder months.
We would also like to cover travel expenses for our dedicated volunteers and the class teachers leading our wellbeing sessions, ensuring they can continue supporting the community without financial strain.
With your support, we can continue to reduce isolation, tackle the cost of living crisis, and build a stronger, more connected community. Every donation helps us sustain these essential services and make a real difference to the lives of people in Nottingham.
Your support is appreciated and will be helping so many people in Sherwood and Nottingham.