People using Ledbury Foodbank will find it easier to access local support, activities and opportunities thanks to a grant.

The charity has received funding from our Community Chest Fund to install a new digital information screen at its community hub on the Homend Industrial Estate.

Around 500 visits are made to the foodbank each month by people from approximately 300 households across Ledbury, Cradley, Bosbury, Colwall and the surrounding villages.

In addition to providing essential food, the volunteer led charity offers social support and a Citizens Advice service, as well as a monthly housing and homelessness drop in attended by representatives from ourselves and Herefordshire homelessness services.

The foodbank currently displays a wide range of information on its walls, but the team found that people did not always engage with the traditional paper notices.

The Community Chest grant will pay for a wall mounted smart television and TV stick, allowing the charity to display clear, regularly updated information prominently within its main visitor area.

The screen will promote health and wellbeing initiatives, housing and homelessness support, benefit information, mental health services and local community activities. It will also advertise employment and volunteering opportunities.

A dedicated team of volunteers will be recruited to find, upload and regularly review the information to ensure it remains accurate and up to date.

Sarah Edwards from Ledbury Foodbank said: "Ledbury Foodbank provides much more than groceries. People came here for social contact, advice and practical support; for some, we are a vital social lifeline.

"We currently have a lot of useful information displayed on our walls, but we recognise that it is not always noticed or used. This screen will allow us to present important information in a much clearer and more engaging way, while keeping it up to date.

"Whether someone needs help with benefits or housing, wants to find a local activity for their children or is looking for employment or volunteering opportunities, we want to make that information as easy as possible to find.

"We are extremely grateful to Platform Housing Group for supporting this project, which will benefit the community for many years."

Christine Bailey, our Community Engagement Officer said: "This is a simple but extremely effective idea that will make valuable information more visible and accessible to hundreds of local people.

"The team at Ledbury Foodbank has created a trusted and welcoming community hub where people can access food, advice, companionship and wider support. The new screen will build on that work by connecting visitors with services, activities and opportunities that they might otherwise miss.

"We are delighted to support the project through our Community Chest Fund and look forward to seeing the difference it makes for Platform customers and the wider Ledbury community."

The equipment can be installed within days of the funding being received and is expected to be operational within a month.

Our Community Chest Fund supports local projects that benefit our customers and make a positive difference within communities.

Photo caption : Ledbury Foodbank can now display clear, regularly updated information prominently within its main visitor area.