Our work
Four services, all free, all in Hillside. Come to any of them without a referral, as often as you need.
Food pantry
Shelves you choose from, like a small shop. A parcel is three days of food for everyone at home, with toiletries, and fresh bread and fruit on Saturdays.
When
Mon–Sat 10:00–13:00
Where
The Old Chapel, 22 Orchard Road
Who for
Anyone living in Hillside
Cost to you
Free
$25 is one family’s parcel for a week
Warm space
The church hall is heated, the urn is on and lunch is soup and bread. Stay for ten minutes or all afternoon; charge your phone, read the paper, meet people.
When
Tue and Thu 12:00–17:00
Where
St Mark’s church hall, Orchard Road
Who for
Everyone, of any age
Cost to you
Free
$10 is tea and toast for ten visitors
Homework club
A calm room with tables, wifi, books and a snack, and volunteers who can help with reading, maths and coursework.
When
Wed 15:30–17:30, term time
Where
Library annexe, Elm Row
Who for
Pupils aged 8 to 16
Cost to you
Free
$50 is a month of snacks and books for one table
Neighbour visits
A trained volunteer visits an older neighbour once a week for tea and a chat, and helps with small things like letters or a trip to the shops.
When
Once a week, a time that suits you
Where
At home, across Hillside
Who for
Neighbours over 65 who live alone
Cost to you
Free
$100 trains and checks two visiting volunteers
Questions people ask us
Do I need a referral?
Not for your first visit. After that, we ask a support worker, doctor or school to refer you, so they can help with whatever is behind the need too.
How often can I come?
Up to six times in six months for parcels (sample policy). The warm space and homework club have no limit.
Can you deliver?
Yes, if you cannot get to us because of illness, disability or caring. Call the office and a volunteer driver will bring your parcel.
I have allergies or eat halal or vegetarian food.
Tell the volunteer at the counter. We keep halal, vegetarian, gluten-free and baby food on separate shelves.
Help a neighbour this winter
Every gift is spent in Hillside, on the things on our ladder. A monthly gift lets us plan the shelves ahead.