3,803
food parcels delivered
24%
increase in food parcels
11
debt relief orders completed
13
repayment plans activated
Soar Valley Community Food Project
The provision of food parcels to those in need across the villages between Leicester and Loughborough through a network of 8 centres. During the year we provided 3,803 food parcels to families through centres in Rothley, Birstall, Mountsorrel, Barrow, Sileby, Syston, Thurmaston and Anstey. This was a 24% increase on last year. As well as providing the food parcels each centre encourages those being supported to have a chat over a hot drink to understand how else we can help them. This includes sign posting to other services that are available.
We have a team of around 18 volunteers who sort and check the food, store it, pick and distribute food parcels and around 8 volunteers in each of the centres. We receive donations of food and money from a wide range of sources. We estimate that the value of the food we have gave out in 2023 was around £145,000.
Soar Valley Community Money Advice
The provision of debt advice to those who need help through our 3 debt advisors. During the period we started working with 15 new clients with total debts of £234,000. In addition we continued working with 15 clients from previous years. Of these people 11 completed a debt relief order, 13 are on repayment plans and 6 are working towards a solution.
We continued to received funding to employ the Financial Coach for 3 days per week up from 1.5 days last year. They have worked with around 100 people supporting them with benefits advice, benefits forms, supplier queries, budgeting and other issues as they arose. The response from those who have received the help has been very positive.
Financial Coach
Supported 20 people with Attendance Allowance claims and 30 people with Personal Independence claims in the last year.