Foodbank in Hurstpierpoint expands during cost-of-living crisis

Hurstpierpoint Foodbank have re-opened their collection service, as demand increases due to the cost-of-living crisis. As well as the Friday delivery option, that was initiated during the covid lockdowns, for a trial period users will again be able to collect food in person from Court Bushes Community Hub, Willow Way.

The Foodbank will be open for collections from Court Bushes from 10am – 12pm every Thursday. The Melting Pot Café is also open at this time so free tea, coffee and cake are available as well as cup-a-soup and toast. The Foodbank distributes food through a referral system and provides enough food for a family for three days. Alternatively, people can come down to Court Bushes on a Thursday morning and talk to foodbank staff directly. Staff understand that reaching out for help in this way can be difficult and aim to treat users with discretion and kindness.
Additionally, a new partnership between the owners of Gibson greengrocers and the Foodbank is now giving those using the Foodbank access to fresh fruit and vegetables during the trial period. A voucher will be provided by the Foodbank to be used in the shop on Hurstpierpoint High Street.

Food parcels can also be requested through the following partner agencies:
• St Lawrence C of E Primary School 01273 833229
• Hurstpierpoint Pre-School, Trinity Road, 01273 834144
• Holy Trinity Church
• Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council Trinity Road, 01273 833264, Open Monday – Friday 9:30am -1:30pm
• Mid Sussex Health Centre 01273 834388, Open Monday – Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm
• Housing Benefit Team (MSDC) • Community Mental Health Team
• Social Services

Families can contact Hurstpierpoint Foodbank (hurstfb@gmail.com) or Burgess Hill Foodbank (foodbankburgesshill@gmail.com) if they need food.

Food Bank in Hurstpierpoint reopens

The Hurstpierpoint Community Food Bank has opened again at Court Bushes Community Hub in Willow Way. Vouchers can be obtained from St Lawrence School, Hurstpierpoint Preschool, Mid Sussex Healthcare (Trinity Road), The Point church, Holy Trinity church, the Methodist church and the Good News church.

“We are hugely excited that our Hurstpierpoint Community Food Bank has now re-opened in the newly refurbished, purpose built Hurst Community centre at Court Bushes,” said Food Bank coordinator Cheri McCarthy. “In these precarious economic times, unfortunately there are still many families really struggling to stay afloat and now as well as nonperishable food, we are able to provide some sanitary products.” The local charity shop has also kindly donated clothes of all kinds and sizes (including shoes and some school uniforms).

The Food Bank runs every Wednesday from 10am until 2pm and they look forward to providing help for anybody in need.

Community group for dads and kids

Dad la soul at Court Bushes Community Hub

A new group for dads and their kids launched last month at the recently refurbished Court Bushes Community Hub in the village, to an extremely warm welcome from 15 dads and over 25 kids, and a hardcore rap session from Brighton-based music charity, Audio Active.

The volunteer-run group called ‘Dad La Soul’ aims to eradicate the social isolation that can be experienced by dads and give them a fun, welcoming environment where they can spend time with their children. It will run on the first Saturday of the month, with each session being led by a different dad who will teach the group a new skill.

Dad La Soul offers activities including everything from film, music and zombie mask making to DJ and circus skills workshops, as well as soft play, science lessons, crafting and games.

The sessions have been funded by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which provides social housing in the local area and works with residents to transform their communities.

Father to a seven-year-old son, Dan Flanagan founded Dad La Soul having struggled to find groups for dads and their children in his local area. “We have been running in Worthing for the last year and a half and regularly have 70 or so dads and kids joining us. Being able to bring this over to Hurstpierpoint is fantastic. We had dads that recognised each other from the school run but have never spoken, chatting away like old friends by the end of the session.”

He continued: “Being a dad can be quite lonely at times, but men don’t like to talk about that. Through Dad La Soul, my hope is that dads, stepdads, granddads and carers can come together to have fun, make friends and learn new skills. We’re delighted to be working with Clarion Futures to bring Dad La Soul to Hurstpierpoint.”

To find out more or book your place email: dan@ totrockinbeats.com.