Listen to Carole from The Vale Pantry on Hope FM.

Carole from The Vale Pantry says: “We constantly fight with the misconception that all those needing help simply need to get a job. Those that can work do work, but there are what we term as the ‘working poor.’ In an area where rents are high and wages are low – frankly it’s a struggle. We work with those who are trying to start again after fleeing domestic abuse, the homeless, people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, some who are on palliative care, bereavement, mental health issues, and much more – there is no one-size-fits-all. There are people who suddenly experience a real crisis such as a medical diagnosis, a partner leaving, and the list goes on”.

The Vale Pantry aims to help get people back on their feet and provide wider-ranging support as well as healthy and affordable food.

To date this includes:

• Forming a support group for parents of children with autism to gather support from each other, and share coping mechanisms
• Creating Recipe Bags containing ingredients and a step-by-step cooking guide which improved confidence with cooking and led to people making healthier food choices
• Offering the services of a Citizen’s Advisor to provide 8 face to face appointments each week
• Providing a 6-month programme of Hydrotherapy for 12 people with fibromyalgia
• Accessing urgently needed white goods, clothing and household items

The Vale Pantry have 50 wonderful volunteers and 2 paid members of staff who have worked with adult social services and people needing help as they are being discharged from hospital. Alongside this, they liaise with care agencies and social workers. A lot of time is taken to talk through issues, offer mentoring, budget coaching and do whatever it takes for people to feel listened to. However, despite being incredibly busy already there are exciting times ahead for The Pantry in 2025 when they’ll be moving to larger premises and becoming a Family Hub with Dorset Council.

There’ll be 24 new services on offer, including drop-ins from:

– Housing
– Family Workers
– Health Visitors
– Dept of Work and Pensions

As well as The Not So Youth Club, a Breakfast Club for youngsters on their way to school, a Homework Corner (with snacks) for those without a quiet space at home to study and a digital area to offer help to people to get online.

Projects with Dorset Mind who provide Mental Health support and DorPIP who work with families with babies from conception to the age of 2 are being planned. As are lunch clubs,a soft-play area, cooking classes and more.

Congratulations to The Vale Pantry for all you do for the folk of North Dorset, and thank you.