Community Support

The Cathedral has well-established partnerships with a number of local charities whose services are desperately needed in this difficult time of public health emergency.

Below you will find details of each charity, and any updates as to their current situation or requirements.

Chichester District Food Bank

Chichester District Food Bank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. They provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people in crisis who are referred to them.

Please visit the Foodbank website for further details including their most required items, and information about how to access their services if you need their support. You can also email info@chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk or call 01243 773687.

An Update from Chichester District Foodbank: "First of all, we would like to give a really huge "Thank You" to all of you who have helped us through the last couple of months, which have been especially challenging for everyone. We have been overwhelmed by the unprecedented level of support and help, including food and monetary donations that we have received in such a short space of time." Read more >>

There are also three rural Food Bank centres:

Chichester District Foodbank in Midhurst: Email: Midhurst@chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk Telephone: 07826397732

Chichester District Foodbank in Petworth: Email: Petworth@chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk Telephone: 07501 921617

Chichester District Foodbank in Selsey: Email: Selsey@chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk Telephone: 07826 962389  

UKHarvest

UKHarvest are a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to eliminate hunger & food waste through education, food rescue, engagement, and innovation.

UKHarvest provide much needed assistance to charities and vulnerable people, by collecting surplus food from all types of food providers, delivering it, direct and free of charge. Helping to nurture those most food insecure, to live well, age well and to help combat social isolation, through education on reducing food waste and eating healthily.

There’s a few ways you can support us such as

  • Volunteer with us
  • Attend one of our events
  • Donate money to support those who need it most
  • Donate your company’s surplus food

For further details please visit their website, email info@ukharvest.org.uk or call 01243 696940.

Covid-19 Update

The COVID-19 outbreak is hitting the poorest, hardest. UKHarvest has never seen such a high demand for food. In response to this crisis, we are expanding our operations so that we can reach as many people as possible who are vulnerable and in need of food.

Since lockdown began, we have:

  • Tripled the amount of food we rescue from surplus and send out across the Coastal Rural areas we support, delivering the equivalent of 1 million meals over June, July and August.
  • Delivered food direct to those shielding and most vulnerable, and the emergency food hubs which are now operating across the south coast
  • Expanded our online education and community services on offer to help those unable to leave their own homes
  • Changed the way we work in our warehouses, enforcing new health and safety rules to keep staff and volunteers safe

Stonepillow

Stonepillow provide vital support for homeless and vulnerable people in West in Chichester, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. They work with over 130 people every single day, empowering them to rebuild their lives and find independent accommodation they can call home. They provide a range of services including day centres, hostels, a recovery service, and supported housing. They also have two charity shops which gives people the opportunity to learn new skills and access education, training and employment.

Please use this link to visit their Wish List to find out what Stonepillow need most urgently at the moment.

For further details please visit their website, call 01243 537934 or email admin@stonepillow.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society

The Dementia Connect Support Line remains open every day on 0333 150 3456. For up to date information on dementia and services, please visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website or follow them on Facebook or Twitter. Talking Point, the online community, can be accessed for free, night or day, via the website.

Work is in progress to pull together a list of simple actions that anyone can take to support people affected by dementia, particularly focusing on social isolation; many people affected by dementia will be self-isolating and this will be understandably challenging. There is also a new fact sheet available, Coronavirus: Information for people affected by dementia.

West Sussex Mind

West Sussex Mind is an independent local mental health charity operating in West Sussex. They provide information and support to anyone experiencing mental health issues and campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. 

In Chichester and Bognor, they have a service called COMMUNITIES IN MIND, specifically for people aged 65 plus, who may be experiencing things like anxiety, depression or isolation, especially at this difficult time please call 07495 077 341 for this CIM service.

There are many other services run by West Sussex Mind covering different ages and stages of mental health and wellbeing needs.

More information, Coronavirus updates, and tips on coping with anxiety, isolation and keeping well, can be found on their website or on Facebook.

Midhurst Angels

This newly-set up group will be working with Midhurst Parish church and the town council to offer medication collection, shopping deliveries, dog walking and other services during the current public health emergency. Please email midhurstangels@outlook.com or call 07538 839703 for further information.