Christmas Dinner at The Trust
The Pitch
Problem statement
'Holiday Dinner at The Trust’ assists people who’re experiencing loneliness and/or financial problems at this time of year. The 2024 study ‘Health & Wellbeing in Lambeth’ found that loneliness appeared to be more pronounced compared to the national average. In Lambeth, ‘33% of residents report feeling lonely some of the time and often or all of the time compared to 22% across England.’ Our clients struggle to afford basic food – let alone a holiday meal. The most recent Indices of Multiple Deprivation place Lambeth as the 11th most deprived borough in London and 81st most deprived in England. Lambeth is made up of 178 LSOAs containing around 650 households and approximately 1,500 residents.
Solution
1 A three-course, seated holiday dinner for 250 people. If successful, most of the grant would go towards food for those who would attend the holiday meal. Served in our large main hall, the dinner will consist of three courses and will have options for vegan, vegetarian, kosher and halal. Children’s portions will also be available upon request. 2 Gifts for 100 people. Our community centre usually depends on gently used donations to wrap for seasonal gifts. The last few years we’ve not had a lot of toy donations/ gifts for young people. If we had a budget to purchase items for these two groups, we are confident we could make a memorable holiday for those who might not otherwise have one.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We are the right organisation to host the ‘Holiday Dinner at The Trust’ because local people already come to us for help with sustenance. According to ‘The Lambeth Food Poverty and Insecurity action Plan 2021-2024’, certain sections of the population are more at risk of food insecurity than others such as, ‘Black and minority ethnic groups, men living alone, people suffering from mental health issues, and people with disabilities.’ We have extensive knowledge of all of these groups. 75% of our clients are black or minority ethnic group, 66% of our clients are men and most of our clients experience mental health problems. We already host a Christmas meal but we would love to feed more people.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| £1000 goes directly towards providing food for 'Holiday Dinner at The Trust.' The event is already staffed with volunteers and catered to by our incredible vegan chef. | £1,000 |
Beneficiaries
200 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
1 A holiday dinner for 250 people. If successful, most of the grant would go towards food for those who would attend the holiday meal. Served in our large main hall, the dinner will consist of three courses and will have options for vegan, vegetarian, kosher and halal options. Children’s portions will also be available upon request. 2 Gifts for 100 people. Our community centre usually depends on gently used donations to wrap for seasonal gifts. The last few years we’ve not had a lot of toy donations/ gifts for young people. If we had a budget to purchase items for these two groups, we are confident we could make a memorable holiday for those who might not otherwise have one. We anticipate that 100% of those experiencing loneliness will experience will find their symptoms alleviated. Although this may only last the day, we strongly believe that by meeting other clients and volunteers, people may form lasting connections that will help them feel more a part of a community.
Track record
For the past two years, local volunteers (using their own money) have used our community centre, Stockwell Park Community Trust, to provide a holiday celebration for those who need a boost during the festive period. These wonderful volunteers provide, cook and distribute food, assemble care packages (including toiletries) and wrap gifts for attendees. The dinner (and accompanying festivities) constitutes an open invite: everyone is welcome. The attendees range from those experiencing homelessness, those undergoing financial difficulties or people who simply do not have the means to be with family and friends at this important time of year. This year, we have been granted funding from The National Lottery to help grow our food bank, the Walcot Foundation to start a homework centre and Big Local to grow our youth outreach program. The ability to throw our most vulnerable clients a holiday meal would truly mean so much to us, and them.