Launch date nears for the ‘social supermarket’ that will help families in need
CRIMESTOPPERS has launched an urgent appeal for information on people in the East Midlands carrying weapons.
In November, Crimestoppers ran its first Silence Won’t Stop Violence campaign, which saw the public respond positively and anonymously.
Information on gangs rose by 17 per cent, county lines up by 15 per cent, cuckooing up by two-thirds and information on firearms rose by 5 per cent compared with the period prior to the appeal.
In 2019, over half of violent incidents across the UK were not reported to the police.
However, the charity passed on 12,850 anonymous pieces of information about all crime types provided by the public across the region.
Lydia Patsalides, regional manager for the East Midlands, said: “With violence and gang crime being a persistent, but preventable problem, our charity is relaunching our campaign and supporting a public health approach to tackling violence. This means recognising it requires a society-wide response, so we are encouraging people in the East Midlands who are in the know about those carrying weapons or involved in violent crime to not be silenced, but to speak up anonymously.
“We know that you may be personally close to crime but may also want to do the right thing and bring violence in your community to an end. No matter how far down the wrong road you’ve gone, you can always turn back. You do have options.
“You have the ability to prevent violent crime through telling us what you know in advance of planned violent attacks, or passing on information that can help solve crime and bring justice to victims and their families.”
Call 0800 555111 or go to:
HEALTH, education and employment support professionals joined members of charities and community groups to find out how a discount food store with a difference aims to help families facing hardship.
Due to open shortly, Your Store, at Loughborough community centre John Storer House, will have prices about a quarter of those found at mainstream supermarkets, but will be open to members only.
Designed to help people who use food banks become more independent, customers of the “social supermarket” are being identified by Charnwood Food Poverty Group.
Members will be able to do a weekly shop and access a range of affordable food for £3. There will also be a range of support available, including money management, mental health and wellbeing, education, cooking classes and household budgeting.
The project has been set up by Charnwood Borough Council, community wellbeing charity John Storer Charnwood, homelessness charity The Bridge and Charnwood Food Poverty Group. It aims to help about 300 households during its pilot year.
John Storer House, in Wards End, was the venue for a presentation on how Your Store and its membership will operate.
Those attending were able to visit the store and find out how to refer their own clients to the service.
Your Store was inspired by Charnwood Community Action’s work during the pandemic when hundreds of families received food parcels and other support.
Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies, the borough council’s lead member for community support and equalities said: “It was great to see so many different organisations come along to this event to find out more about Your Store.
“Your Store is the result of fantastic partnership working and I would like to thank everyone for coming along and showing their interest and enthusiasm for the project. “Your Store will provide an additional layer of support to help people who have needed to use food banks before and during the pandemic to become more independent with their shopping.
“The council is proud to be working alongside partners on this project and is committed to creating healthy communities. Your Store is an innovative project which really will help a number of people become more independent and access additional support.” John Storer Charnwood director Karen Frostick said: “It is great to see so many partners and referral agents enthusiastic about the project.
“We cannot wait to get the shop open, making vital support available to all those who need it.”
Paul Snape, deputy chief officer at The Bridge East Midlands said: “As strategic lead for Charnwood Food Poverty Group, I am delighted Your Store has been developed.
“It is the natural progression for our clients who are moving away from food bank use. Your Store will offer an inclusive service to those who may be struggling financially and need additional support.”
The store is a pilot scheme for a year. Backers hope it will become self-sustaining over time through income from members shopping there, as well as sponsorship and donations.
There are plans for weekly popup versions across the borough, starting in Mountsorrel. The scheme is being supported by Mountsorrel United Charities Relief in Need Fund.
For more information about Your Store, see www.charnwood.gov.uk/ yourstore