Developing our New Location

We started our steering group before moving our community wellbeing service to our new location at New Horizons Centre. Having a fresh canvas let our guests and volunteers reflect on what worked well and which elements we could improve from the previous programme. Our guests said that 3-month membership to our café and shop didn’t feel long enough to deeply change their circumstances. We lengthened the membership to 6 months which has significantly improved outcomes for our members. 

The steering group helped us reflect on what a positive, welcoming space would look like, and how important building community is for outcomes in addition to relieving food poverty. Our new space is more open, with signage in different languages, and enables a sense of community to be fostered amongst our guests. 

Workshops and Creative Activities

Our steering group wanted to build a sense of community, a welcoming atmosphere for families, and creative fun to the space. One of our volunteers set up weekly arts classes with painting and drawing for all ages. Another volunteer helped create art to celebrate our festivals on the glass walls. And we’ve had yoga, meditation, and storytelling sessions for our guests. 

Guest Signposting and Support

Our guests and volunteers spoke wanted more signposting and guest support to increase long term outcomes for guests after the membership had finished. As well as developing signage and improving communication, we delivered three training sessions to upskill our advice and triaging volunteers. 

Environmental Impact

Our Community Wellbeing Steering group have highlighted the environmental impact being made by our services, including the use of plastic bags, disposable utensils, excess food and challenges with recycling. The group are aiming to work with other services to help improve our environmental footprint across the organisation, minimise waste, and improve our sustainability, in line with Sufra values.