Community Stuff supports Eastbourne residents through lockdown and in ‘new normal’

Back in March, when we were all told the stay at home, Community Stuff directors Clare Hackney-Ring and Sue Morris moved fast and within a week had put together a feeding and support project for vulnerable, shielding Eastbourne residents.

It was called Soup and Support and was a free service, funded by Devonshire West Big Local, Sussex Community Foundation and Awards for All.

From Monday to Friday, for 102 days since that day, Clare has cooked homemade soup, with the help of a team of volunteers and Sue has manned a support hotline, organising volunteers to deliver the soup and a roll each day, to up to 150 Eastbourne residents.

Every day the volunteer delivery drivers would knock on the doors of the residents on their round and have a socially distanced chat with each one, to make sure that everything was alright.

Each week Sue and volunteers would put together an activity pack with quizzes, wordsearch, mindful colouring and crossword puzzles, to be delivered every Wednesday, to keep clients’ grey matter ticking over too.

Volunteers also delivered jigsaw puzzles, books, magazines and wool, all requested to make time pass a little easier during lockdown.

Clare said: “For many, the knock on the door with soup and a roll was the only human contact the residents had each day.

“Some of them said it gave them focus and comfort, others said they didn’t know how they would have managed without our support.

The volunteers, who had cheerfully given up over 2,100 volunteer hours between them to help make the project happen, have been thanked by Clare and Sue.

They are now getting ready for their next stage of support for residents with a socially distanced lunch club, on a Monday and Friday at Seaside Community Hub. A home cooked two course lunch for £5 and a free sandwich or bowl of homemade soup on a Wednesday. There will be activities too.

Booking is essential. Call Sue on 07576 847038.