Tell us about your organisation, how you started and what you do?
Back in 1999 we started our projects in the Punjab, India, however, from working within the NHS it became very apparent that there were inequalities in England as well when it came to pockets of poverty. We were serving the community of Wolverhampton with essential baby items, such as cots, baby equipment, baby food, milk and nappies. In 2018 we decided to register as a charity so we could reach out to even more people within Wolverhampton and England.
What we do:
- We serve food parcels to less fortunate
- We have a telephone line where we can take calls from those that need someone to listen
- We support victims of domestic violence with everyday needs and any support they need tailored to them
- We provide baby items to those less fortunate
- We support health promotion programmes
What has been your greatest achievement?
Our greatest achievement is that we are a food bank that operates 7 days a week. We also have ‘out of hours’ slots as our charity’s ethos is that hunger doesn’t discriminate. It’s great to hear that many different organisations within Wolverhampton recommend our food bank to other agencies for support.
What is your experience of support received from WVSC?
WVSC supported us during the pandemic with loyal and dedicated volunteers to serve during the pandemic. We were also supported when we carried out the Covid Community Champions project during the pandemic to support many whose first language wasn’t English. They supported us with vibrant ideas and how we could take them into the community for community benefit.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Wolverhampton?
Wolverhampton is an amazingly diverse city and it’s an amazing place to live. Being born in Wolverhampton, as well as graduating from the University of Wolverhampton, it’s an honour to serve such a diverse City. It’s beautiful how the City engages and embraces all the different religious festivals.
What are some of the challenges you face and how can WVSC help to support your organisation in the future?
Covid 19 has certainly been a challenge for all and the uncertainty it brings. We may need to support children and families with mental health issues, and also domestic violence as there has been an increase in cases.
We hope we can have a person-centred hub with a holistic approach that focuses on the whole person. This would need to be funded for it to be sustained over the years.
Where can we find out more?
Website / Facebook / Instagram
Would you like to be featured in our Voluntary Sector Focus? Contact Sharon Nanan-Sen on snanan-sen@wolverhamptonvsc.org.uk for more info!