At the heart of the community

Kristian believes that everybody deserves a chance, though they are crying out for more funding. He says: “We have to put in approximately £60,000 from our own funds each year to keep going. We really appreciate what Erewash Borough Council does for us as we have limited resources.”

Arena Community has been helping people to get back on their feet for 15 years and the charity is the community arm of Ilkeston based Arena Church, and continues to make a huge difference for many people thanks to the work of its 80 staff, who are mainly volunteers.

As well as its foodbank – which since 2011 has given away more than 20,000 food parcels - it runs a furniture bank, clothing bank and friendship group for senior citizens.

In 2016 Arena took on the lease of the former Woolworths building on Bath Street to form The Project, a café and vintage shop which sells cherry-picked donated designer clothes, generating income to fund its charity work. All profits from The Project go back into the community and they are always in need of good quality donations and furniture. The Project was made possible thanks to funding from Erewash Borough Council.

Kristian Thorpe, Lead Pastor and Founder of Arena Community, says: “What people give will help Ilkeston and fund the food bank.”

Lisa Harrison, head of Arena Community, says: “Any profit we make is poured back into the community. We work with schools and allocate money to kids who have no food, toys or warm clothes.”

The Arena Community’s Let’s Do This campaign highlights the work and need of the charity and urges people to give what they can. Part of this is The One Thousand Club, whereby if 1,000 people pledged to give £5 per month then the ‘small becomes large’.

• A hot shower that provides washing facilities for the homeless.

• Washing and drying machines for people and families without adequate facilities in their home.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Erewash Borough Council, says: “I met with Lisa and Kristian at The Project to find out more about the great work they do in the community. There is so much important work being done here and I would urge people to get involved with the Arena Community in any way they can, whether it’s volunteering or making a donation.”

Arena Community foodbank is based at the Community Hub on Mundy Street, Ilkeston. The foodbank is open every Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am – 3:30pm.

Find out more at about Arena Community and how to get involved at arenacommunity.co.uk

Other schemes include.

• Care for a Coffee which operates twice a week, serving over a 100 people who are lonely, homeless or vulnerable.

• Homeless packs that can contain food, protein drinks, a sleeping bag and socks.

• A hot two-course meal is served twice a week to more than 100 people.

Ashmere is a family run business providing the very best care across Derbyshire. Our ethos is that we are here for everyone, from our residents right through to the families too When the time comes to find a care provider we know that there are many questions that need to be answered and our personal approach ensures you get the opportunity to speak with our care team directly and addresses all the questions you may have.

"When my mother went to live at Heanor Park Care Home, I don't think any of us realised just how very poorly she was Three months on, and she is a different person Surrounded by a team and genuine carers, with good food, the friendship of other residents, and a safe, warm, calm environment and the resources to recover - such that she now plays an active part, at times able to give back for her new friends As she put it - "this is Derbyshire, this is me, and I am very happy here"

-Review from carehome co uk October 2022