Hearts & Hands was set up in October 2020 and is a self funding community group which initially helped and assisted those working families, couples and individuals, that where finding themselves in hardship financially because of COVID
Now assisting people who are on zero contracts, reduced hours, part time workers and self employed and in financial crisis. We helped retired when they perhaps had become ill and needed food and couldn’t get out to shop however we have now widening this to any retired who needs assistance, ex service personal and blue light workers
Hearts & Hands is solely run by volunteers we give food parcels out on a weekly basis free of charge and delivered to their door for a limited amount of time, to give them help needed while they get ‘sorted’ out, many have worked all their lives and never needed to ask for help. The food parcels are designed for a week’s supply for all the family, they also include; children’s lunch food and some treats, toiletries and pet food
Food Rescue Tables – Surplus food is collected by volunteers from supermarkets and distribute to 14 surplus food rescue tables outside volunteer’s houses, anyone can come and take items; all they ask in return if pubic can to leave non perishable items so the items can in turn be placed into the free food parcels given out.
Hearts & Hands aim is to help as many families as they can within Stafford and the surrounding villages. Supported by several local supermarkets who donate their surplus food so they can give freely to the community via food rescue points and bread stations.
The impact of the service they provide to some extent is immeasurable.
They also assist (although don’t advertise) people in crisis, if they have left a marital household and are rehoused they are helped furnish and clothe (if they have items in storage), as well as toys for the kids etc;
The schools in the area have received Easter Eggs, also yogurts and families help with school uniforms. At Christmas food hampers delivered have everything for Christmas dinner and more, including fresh veg, pudding, cakes with gifts for all the children in the household and goodies. Bring the whole family out of despair, poverty rejection and lack of self worth to be able to spend a positive time together
Hearts & Hands work hand in hand with other community projects and food banks. Through this network they have started to be called upon to help set people up in new accommodation after they have been homeless, those fleeing domestic violence and various other reasons. They have collected donated items from clothing, cutlery and plates through kettles, TV, bed, bedding and white goods and delivered to those in need.
Hearts & Hands tries to help where they can, signposting is also a core part of what they do with other charities and community groups in the area, from Staffordshire Women’s’ Aid to Hidden Warriors, Silkmore Community Group, Imani’s Eats, Period Power and other food banks in Stone, Cannock and Lichfield, Staffordshire Baby Bank to Boycie’s Bridge, CCPA, Salvation Army, Tranquillity, Rising Brook Community Centre and House of Bread,various other local community groups. They also helped run an appeal for clothes for Afghan refugees and assisted in the Ukrainian Appeal in association with the White Eagle (Polish) Club
Hearts & Hands fundraise through events, having a tombola stall, Games of Thrones, lucky dip and candy floss stand. They group also get donations from supermarkets if there is something particularly needed ie Asda supplying cereal, Easter Eggs or nappies
We also have tin drop off points in places in and around the town for the public to donate
Members of ;
Support Staffordshire
SCVYS
Fareshare
Neighbourly
Hearts &Hands project is ongoing for as long as they can sustain it financially, they do not to charge for any of their services and rely on donations, fundraising and grants to cover costs
Highly Commended Community Action Award winner of 2021.
Business Contribution to Communities Winner 2022.
Our Staffordshire runner up Community Project of the Year from Pride of Staffordshire Awards 2022
Working with;
Salvation Army
Rising Brook Community Church
House of Bread
Period Power
Staffordshire Women’s Aid
Imanis Incredible Eats
Silkmore Community Group
The Tuesday Mixer Club / The White Eagle Club
Support Staffordshire
Roots – recycling
Boycie’s Bridge
Other food banks in Stone, Cannock and Lichfield,
Staffordshire Baby Bank
CCPA