Community Food Shop Update
We are pleased to announce that, starting Thursday 12 September 2024, our community food shop will be operated by People Arise Now, a dynamic and well-respected charity known for its dedication in supporting families, young people, and those at risk of or affected by crime.
What to Expect
We want to reassure all our residents that the food shop will continue to operate as it currently does. On Thursday 12 September 2024, there will be someone from SHP at the shop to assist both new and existing customers with filling out referral forms. This is part of our effort to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
Looking ahead, People Arise Now plans to enhance the food shop by introducing a more diverse range of food options and expanding the service to reach more residents across Sutton.
About People Arise Now
People Arise Now has a strong presence in our borough, working closely with a range of stakeholders including local councils, volunteer organisations, and the police. They have established successful initiatives such as Community Connect, where residents can engage with community leaders to discuss vital issues such as domestic abuse, racism, crime, and youth opportunities.
Their work also includes:
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Family support and youth work
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ICT training
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Charity football matches with local young people and the police
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The Somali Working Group, established with Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) residents in 2020
Some of their goals include:
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Expanding food sourcing through their extensive community networks
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Offering a wider variety of foods from different cultures and countries
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Building partnerships with other local food shops and fridges to improve service delivery
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Providing income management support to residents in need
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Extending the food shop’s services to more Sutton residents facing food poverty
Why this change is happening
At SHP, our primary focus has always been delivering excellent housing services, including upholding high standards in regulation, amplifying the resident voice, and enhancing customer experience. By transitioning the management of the food shop to People Arise Now, we can focus more on these core responsibilities while ensuring the food shop continues to thrive under experienced and capable new leadership.
This transition will also allow the food shop to access additional funding opportunities, enabling it to grow and better serve our community.