Community
Whitley Bay Big Local’s theme “People and Wellbeing” develops projects and partnerships to support more vulnerable and / or isolated members of our community, improving people's day-to-day lives and working with services that can provide longer term interventions. We have developed a range of activities that bring people together at informal drop-ins. It’s about kindness, taking time to listen to others and making connections in the local community. These sessions aim to be inclusive and welcoming to all parts of the community and wherever possible the sessions are volunteer led. Find out more on our FaceBook page
Sessions include:
Happy to Chat: Residents are welcome to pop in for a "socially distanced" cuppa and a chat at 158 Whitley Road on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00.
Knit and Natter: Join the Knitting and Nattering in our community building. We have plenty of hand sanitiser and socially distanced chairs to keep you comfortable and safe. Bring your own knitting projects- and your own natters too! Friday 10am to 12pm
Supporting Vulnerable Residents Funding – over the last 3 years we have supported local organisations by offering funding to support local people that need additional support, especially around Christmas time. Additionally, we have worked with a large number of local rough sleepers and those in temporary and/or hostel-style accommodation – offering basic signposting and advice but more importantly a space for them to feel welcome, to get a bite to eat and a warm drink with an accompanying chat to one of our volunteers.
Peertalk: offers a forum for sharing and listening, providing encouragement and, (more importantly), hope to attendees. Our peer support groups run Wednesdays 7pm to 8:30pm
Pop in to pick up some food from our "Pay As You Can Pantry" every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am in the porch of 158 Whitley Road. There's a range of fresh fruit and veg, milk, bakery items, tins and dried goods.
Good surplus food is provided to Whitley Bay Big Local by FareShare, Coop and Tesco. Food, donated by both retailers and producers, that would normally go to waste, can be used by disadvantaged people in our community, who otherwise would either have an absence of food or a poor diet. Food is being saved from going to waste thanks to our team of dedicated volunteers. Help us reduce food waste....please share!