A community group in High Spen, Gateshead has been supported by social housing provider Karbon Homes to open a community pantry for residents.
High Spen Social Action recently leased the former Changing Rooms building on South Street from the council. They are using it to develop a community hub to provide activities, food support and signposting to services, such as Citizens Advice, for residents.
Michelle Hope from High Spen Social Action said: “We’re a group of High Spen residents who want more in the village for those who need it.
“Villages like High Spen can struggle to get the resources they need, and with this being the only community building in the village, it’s important to be able to provide as many services as possible for the residents.
“The community has been so positive. They’re excited to have somewhere in the village that belongs to all of us.
“We’re so grateful for the support that Karbon have provided, not only providing funding for the project, but donating their time and resources to help us make a welcoming space that will greatly benefit the residents.”
To help support this project, Karbon Homes’ Investment and Trades teams have donated materials and volunteered time to fit a kitchen, pantry and additional storage for the space. Their Community Investment Team is also providing support with a grant to fund the purchase of food to stock the pantry.
Nathan Lowes, Karbon’s Planned Investment Contracts Manager said: “I think the space is fantastic, it’s really been transformed.
“We looked at how we could improve the storage in the rooms so that Michelle and her team could utilise the space that they had. We used materials at our depot that were surplus to requirements and could be put to good use,
“You can see the difference it can make to the community. I think it shows that at Karbon, we look at the wider community and people living there and how we can support their requirements, to be part of that is exciting and rewarding.”
The funding for the project comes from Karbon’s Community Investment Fund.
Paul Moralee, Karbon’s Community Investment Manager said: “Our grants aim to support projects that make a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing within the communities in which we work.
“The High Spen Social Action Group project is a fantastic example of bringing people together to create strong relationships in the community and supporting residents with the cost of living at the same time.
“One of our priorities is providing food support for residents. The community didn’t have access to a local food pantry and had to travel outside of the village. This community project will make a big difference, bringing food support to the resident’s doorstep as well as bringing people together.”
A community group in High Spen, Gateshead has been supported by social housing provider Karbon Homes to open a community pantry for residents.
High Spen Social Action recently leased the former Changing Rooms building on South Street from the council. They are using it to develop a community hub to provide activities, food support and signposting to services, such as Citizens Advice, for residents.
Michelle Hope from High Spen Social Action said: “We’re a group of High Spen residents who want more in the village for those who need it.
“Villages like High Spen can struggle to get the resources they need, and with this being the only community building in the village, it’s important to be able to provide as many services as possible for the residents.
“The community has been so positive. They’re excited to have somewhere in the village that belongs to all of us.
“We’re so grateful for the support that Karbon have provided, not only providing funding for the project, but donating their time and resources to help us make a welcoming space that will greatly benefit the residents.”
To help support this project, Karbon Homes’ Investment and Trades teams have donated materials and volunteered time to fit a kitchen, pantry and additional storage for the space. Their Community Investment Team is also providing support with a grant to fund the purchase of food to stock the pantry.
Nathan Lowes, Karbon’s Planned Investment Contracts Manager said: “I think the space is fantastic, it’s really been transformed.
“We looked at how we could improve the storage in the rooms so that Michelle and her team could utilise the space that they had. We used materials at our depot that were surplus to requirements and could be put to good use,
“You can see the difference it can make to the community. I think it shows that at Karbon, we look at the wider community and people living there and how we can support their requirements, to be part of that is exciting and rewarding.”
The funding for the project comes from Karbon’s Community Investment Fund.
Paul Moralee, Karbon’s Community Investment Manager said: “Our grants aim to support projects that make a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing within the communities in which we work.
“The High Spen Social Action Group project is a fantastic example of bringing people together to create strong relationships in the community and supporting residents with the cost of living at the same time.
“One of our priorities is providing food support for residents. The community didn’t have access to a local food pantry and had to travel outside of the village. This community project will make a big difference, bringing food support to the resident’s doorstep as well as bringing people together.”
To find out more about Karbon Homes’ Community Funding opportunities, visit www.karbonhomes.co.uk/my-community.
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