Suffolk: new community hub will help those in most need

The new multi-purpose venue in Leiston High Street, known as Project40seven, is being developed by Creative Leiston, a community group of local crafters and creatives, to provide services for local residents.

As well as the pantry, offering customers a range of produce at a low price, there will be a Fuel Bank where people can obtain a top-up voucher for their energy pre-payment meters.

In addition, the venue will host a 'Library of Things' where people can borrow tools, cleaning equipment, cooking implements and other items for a small annual membership fee.

There will also be a repair shop where faulty or tired appliances, funiture or clothes can be repaired or refreshed free of charge, which will run alongside a uniform exchange.

Furthermore, a shop, Crafted, featuring the work of local crafters and artists will be operating from the premises, along with Refill, a zero waste store providing environmentally-friendly food, drink, cleaning and personal care products.

Local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to use two micro-shop units to test their products in a retail environment, while there will be dedicated office space for smaller community groups.

However, Creative Leiston, a non-profit organisation, needs to raise £7,500 to help kick-start the project and has so far collected £410 from a Crowdfund appeal.

Toby Lindsay-White, a co-director with Creative Leiston along with Amanda Matthews, said the project had been established by volunteers who had experienced the problems they were trying to solve.

He added: "Project40Seven is a needed addition to the local community and existing business base.

"We will be providing resource to enable folks of all walks of life to improve their lot through reducing spend, accessing equipment, information and facilities they might otherwise be unable to reach."

To donate, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/creative-leiston---project40seven---community-hub