Thebigleague CIC

Demand continues to rise and while the generosity of the public is still amazing we are mindful of other challenges on the horizon On the positive side of our work we are constantly impressed by amazing transformations we witness with individuals and families moving from crisis toward stabilisation of their situations and on to some brilliant achievements. Our Crisis support sees so many people accessing food, clothes, household and white goods free of charge or at low cost to get people through the worst moments. As part of our anti-poverty strategy we try to use these moments as a time for change, making sure we continue to offer help and encouragement as the crisis lifts and we can start to talk about how to avoid it happening again. This fits to our community, social, educational and work related offers - helping people to review their situations, getting help and taking action to avoid future crisis and to hold a more stable pattern. This means there is time and space to think about the future and talk about what better might look like for them We have been fortunate to receive extra funding support from some fantastic organisations, prepared to invest in our innovative approaches that put individuals and our communities at the centre of both our design and delivery. From digital inclusion, basic skills support, the creation of our Language Library, etc., etc. we are systematically tackling the many and complex issues that cause crisis and keep people in poverty - working for home based and realistic change, from the very first step.. The Salaam Centre has been a vital space, recognised in the hardest of times as a warm and inclusive venue shared by its diverse community, offering not only drop ins, courses and activities but also a low cost supermarket, support with language development and lots of other social, economic and environmental support and services. After the riots the Salaam Centre team found itself at thecentre of bringing the community back together, focusing on the "Little Things" we can do to support each other and our community. Bovis House continues to be an amazing facility for new and existing businesses, offering town centre space and enterprise support, including community wealth building initiatives and extra focus on social enterprises. This work is also possible because of the amazing work of our partners, local organisations and businesses pulling together to save people falling through the cracks. Hartlepool Borough Council, The college of Further Education, Hartlepool Carers, Lets Connect, The Baby Bank, Harbour, Recovery Connections, the list goes on. By working with different groups with different specialisms, resources and skills we can try to ensure every single person has the best chance of achieving their potential and being a positive part of their community. We could go on further about the amazing work of our staff, volunteers and community helpers - the inspiring stories are endless! But we also need to touch on the difficulties that we see on the horizon. Despite the amazing support we have received from The Tudor Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, The Access Foundation, Henry Smith, James Knott, NGN, Key Fund, Greggs, PFC, and many more the funding arena is changing. A number of larger funders are altering their approaches and coming out of the work that we are involved in. This makes us fearful. Costs are increasing for us and everyone. We generate as much commercial income as we can to support our communities but without continued assistance we fear not being able to keep up with ever growing demand. If you can help us in any way or are a funder and are interested in our work then please get in touch, the more support we receive the stronger chance we have of continuing to meet community need and respond to the challenges and crises we know will come. We are fearful of more events like the recent riots and not being there to support our communities to heal and recover and strengthen. Extra demands mean our reserves are low but we are working hard to prepare for the future, working with our communities, ensuring they are always our first priority