The project that we are asked to support in Reigate Archdeaconry is the Whyteleafe Community Hub, which is well supported by the Revd Annie Kurk and the people of St Luke, Whyteleafe. It has been running since the first lockdown when a homeless man in the area caused the local community to become more aware of the needs of local families. This led to local people collecting and donating food, toys and clothes for Christmas 2020. Those who were involved in this initiative soon became aware that families and local people needed help just as much in January as they did in December. Gradually the work that they undertook has grown and it now encompasses the whole community. Now a registered charity, their work has been so successful that in May 2021 the Community Hub was elected to run the Village Council.
Their food bank feeds more than 350 people each month. Food is delivered to people’s homes locally and in the surrounding area. The community hub works hard to collect food surplus from the local area in order to prevent waste and the food is reallocated to local families.
They offer a befriending service for the elderly, vulnerable and lonely, and volunteers are given appropriate training to link with those who would value someone to spend time with. Volunteers will then visit them for at least one hour per week, helping to improve the quality of life for those who are involved. In addition, the Hub seeks to improve the environment in and around Whyteleafe through their Gardening Club and by organising community events, as well as supporting Ukrainian refugees sending food, clothing and medicines back to Ukraine.
Everything the hub does is for the benefit of bringing back the heart of the community. We hope that the Bishop’s Lent Call can help to provide funds to help them to further their work.
Find out more at southwark.anglican.org/lentcall.
