Food Bank at the Collingwood Community Centre
Our History:
Collingwood estate is one of the most deprived areas in London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Many people are struggling to survive on their limited income. Food poverty and insecurity is high in the area.
As a result, in partnership with the Collingwood TRA we started this Food Bank in March 2020 during the Covid 19 lockdown. Every week we serve around 20 families with food resources from our Food Bank.
Currently we have around 6 volunteers giving their free time to contribute to alleviate the needs of the community.
The Food Bank is important to many users. It is a source of lifeline for many, both in terms of food and emotional support as many people are particularly vulnerable and cannot use mainstream support services due to hidden barriers including language, confidence, mental health and being new to the country. Tower Hamlets, especially Whitechapel has been a point of new arrival to immigrants for the past few centuries. It started with the arrival of Huguenots, then Jewish immigration from Europe fleeing persecution and recently the Bangladeshi community. It needs specialist services to address the needs of the community, and signpost them to further and more appropriate services.
We have a diverse range of volunteers reflecting the make up of the community.
Our Other Services
We have regular coffee mornings on Thursdays at 11am. Everyone is welcome to drop in.
We also have yoga and dance classes running usually on Thursdays.
We do have Arabic and Islamic classes on Fridays. Parents are welcome to bring in their children when they attend our events. Throughout the year we also hold community and cultural events and festivals.
How can you help?
We are looking for volunteers and advisors to develop or work further. At this moment we are urgently seeking people with marketing skills and finance officers who can propel us further in meeting the demands of the local community.
If you are interested in being part of our project then do contact us on:
07359 100 384 or send email to motiur71@outlook.com