Hull Community Church helps those in need at half term
HULL Community Church provides essentials for families this half term.
The community Swap Shop offers food packages, children’s clothes, books, toys, homeware, adult clothes, school uniforms, and more to take home.
Anyone can stop by the church to donate, swap items, and enjoy some socially distanced company.
The Swap Shop runs at Hull Community Church, Newland Avenue every Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm.
Head of community development at the church, Claire Thomas shared why the Swap Shop has become essential to the people of Hull.
She said: “We wanted to find a way to connect with people safely face to face, as well as being able to cater for more people with food and other essentials.”
“We’re definitely seeing people who need the extra help and support to get essentials, people who have recently lost their jobs, who are homeless, families who need extra help to make their budgets stretch.
“Quite a few people who need the extra help have also been able to give back too, for example giving away children’s clothes that no longer fit.
“It’s been really special for us to be able to support people, and bring the community together at this difficult time.”
The church have not been able to open up the building in this way before, and have seen a community effort in making the shop happen.
At the Swap Shop, there are advisors who help those in need of support for housing needs, utility bills, and aid any mental health issues.
“Sometimes someone just needs another person to talk to, and share their problems with. We’re here to listen and help with whatever we can, and if we can’t help directly, we will help to find someone else who can.”
To respect social distancing measures the event is held in a large space, with a limited number of people allowed to shop and swap at the same time. There are hand sanitizing stations around the room, people must wear face masks and follow government guidelines on how to shop safely. If possible bring your own bag.