Sustain Supports Billesley Ark Food Pantry

Specialist housing provider extends support for community centre

Tuesday, 11th June 2024 

Sustain UK, a specialist housing association in Birmingham for vulnerable people, has extended its support for the Billesley Ark Community Food Pantry, based in Yardley Wood.

Sustain UK provides accommodation to people that are homeless or under the threat of homelessness.

The organisation will support The Food Pantry for a further 18-months as part of its city-wide approach to backing local food banks.

Photo: Nathan Beresford with Sustain UK’s Ian MacGregor & The Billesley Ark’s Dept. Caretaker Paul Jackson.

Based within The Billesley Ark community centre, The Food Pantry provides essential food items while also helping people to become more sustainable with tips on how to cook simple dishes and having a healthier, more affordable diet.

Ian MacGregor, Chief Executive, Sustain UK Ltd says: “I’m absolutely delighted that Sustain UK will continue its support of the Billesley Ark Community Food Pantry.

“We know from talking to our residents that this kind of support is often a lifeline in their daily lives, and the Billesley Ark has really developed the concept of food bank support in a brilliant way.

“It’s important to remember that these community resources don’t just feed people, they also provide vital social contact, support and routine, which is so important when people are rebuilding their lives. It lifts people out of isolation.”

Nathan Beresford, Food Pantry and Community Centre Manager at Billesley Ark, says: “I’d like to thank Sustain UK for its continued support of The Food Pantry. It’s a massive help. Their support goes a long way and will help a lot of local people.

“I’m delighted that Sustain UK understands the wider value of what we are trying to do here in Billesely. it’s so much more than just giving food. We try to take the time to get to know people and what brought them here in the first place, and to support them better through cooking, food and access to fresh produce.”

As a former Sustain UK resident himself, Nathan appreciates the value of this kind of support.

He explains: “I understand the challenge of getting back on your feet after living under the threat of homelessness, and the lifeline that community support offers.

“I know I’d have found this approach a lot of help at that time, so it’s great to see Sustain UK residents regularly visiting us.”

Sustain UK houses around 1,800 in specialist supported accommodation across Birmingham.

For more information on The Billesley Ark visit www.billesley.malachict.co.uk and for Sustain UK visit www.sustainuk.org