FCS Forges Forward

Ferndown Community Support CIC has just held its first ever Christmas Fayre, and it was a roaring success!  With craft stalls, homemade cakes, refreshments, face painting, games, raffle, tombola games stalls, and our very own Santa telling the story of Mincey the Mouse and having a festive singalong, it truly was a festive family affair.  A massive massive thanks to all the volunteers, supporters, attendees, and donors, without which we couldn’t have achieved this.  It was a huge effort, but we all agree it was an even bigger reward. 
All this was in aid of their ‘mission Santa Sacks’ appeal 2022. FCS have successfully delivered over 90 Santa Sacks to disadvantaged local children for the past 2 years, and this year the demand is certainly not set to lessen.  Working with schools, agencies and social services, FCS ensure the sacks reach those in need.  The more money they can raise the more sacks they can provide and the money can be used to bulk buy for even better value.  This year, FCS have set the budget for each sack at £25, slightly up from last year to reflect inflation.  Each sack is age appropriate and contains for example, board game, books, stationary, warm hat/gloves, toiletries, hot chocolate and marshmallows, selection box, and toys.    If you would like to donate, or would be interested in sponsoring sacks as a company, please visit the website where there is a dedicated Santa Sack donation button, or email info@ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk for sponsorship enquiries.  If you are not happy donating money, they do need toiletries for all ages up to 17, selection boxes, pens, colour pencils etc, and hot chocolate, all of which can be dropped at the Larder and Food Bank+ at the rear of Ferndown Day Centre, Library Road, what3words ///dozen.budget.chops.  The Larder and Food Bank+ is open weekdays 2-5pm, and Saturday 10.30 – 1pm. 
In between all this festivity, FCS have been continuing their vital services.  Not only running the Community Larder and Food Bank+, but also their other core services of shopping for people unable to access the community due to age, disability, ill health, care responsibilities etc.  Other services have started up, including a benefits and welfare advice and support service, complimenting the Citizens Advice service and supporting people with blue badge applications, attendance allowance, PIP, registering with utilities for priority need, carers allowance, and anything else which needs online access and applications.  Befriending has continued, and they have successfully run another cookery club through the half term!  This was pumpkinalicious, with dirty pumpkin fries and pumpkin brownies on the menu! 
Clearly the cost of living crisis has had an effect on residents of Ferndown and beyond, and with the area the Food Bank+ serves containing 15 of the 30 most deprived zones in Dorset, the demand has increased, on average by 12.5% in the last 3 months.  “Last month we provided 665 food, pet food and hygiene parcels from the Food Bank+ at the rear of Ferndown Day Centre.  But we still haven’t run out of bread!!  Do remember too that the community Larder operates out of the same venue, so if you want to save food waste, please come down and take surplus – we always have bread, baguettes, rolls etc, often cakes, and sometimes sandwiches and excess fruit and veg which all have to go to save them from the bin.  We always label surplus so you will never be taking from those who need food aid”, says Hannah, CEO.  And if you wish to donate to support Ferndown Community Support’s services, they have donation boxes in Tesco, Orchid House, Savers, and Nationwide, and money tins elsewhere.
Hannah Hobbs-Chell says “I am amazed and astounded at the level of commitment, care and dedication our volunteers give, each and every day.  To have achieved what we have, to have grown from a facebook group at the start of the pandemic into this, and with the Larder and Food Bank+ barely 6 months old, makes me so proud of the community we have, of the volunteers we have.  We are all nervous in the run up to Christmas and this winter, but together we will see that no one goes hungry, no one is unable to get food and essentials for themselves when they are housebound, no child goes without at Christmas, and everybody knows they can rely on the community to do what they can to help each and every one of us”