Annual report 2022–2023
Annual Report 2022–2023
Recognition through the Armed Forces Covenant, sustained emergency food support, equality and diversity work in schools, and the Warm Space project that became the weekly Chit-Chat café.
Headline figures for 2022–2023
- emergency food parcels distributed
- 9,832emergency food parcels distributed
- meals provided
- 147,480meals provided
- students reached through school workshops, July 2022
- 1,000+students reached through school workshops, July 2022
- hot meals delivered on Christmas Day 2022
- 250+hot meals delivered on Christmas Day 2022
All figures on this page relate to the 2022–2023 reporting period.
Armed Forces Covenant
In March 2023 the Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved the bronze award. Signing the covenant reflects the commitment of the Council and all of its members to supporting the Armed Forces, both those currently serving and veterans.
Out-of-Hours Emergency Food Service
Emergency food parcels continued through collections and deliveries, supported by a grant from Telford & Wrekin Council that allowed the out-of-hours service to continue. Donations of food and goods from multiple donors assisted more than 10,000 residents across the borough.
- 9,832 emergency food parcels distributed
- 147,480 meals provided
Community engagement
The Council worked with many groups to bring diversity and inclusion to all members of the community. During South Asian Heritage Month in July 2022, equality, diversity and inclusion workshops were delivered in local primary and secondary schools to over 1,000 students, helping them better understand the diverse world around them. Several events were also held at the Community Hub, covering Black History Month, Diwali, the King's Coronation and other diversity-related occasions.
Warm Space project
In November 2022 the Council received funding to deliver a Warm Space project, opening the Community Hub to residents struggling to heat their homes, in need of a hot meal, or simply looking for company. The funding ran the project from December 2022 to the end of March 2023, two days each week. Those attending could keep warm, have a hot meal and a hot drink, play games or socialise.
Following its success, a fundraising campaign allowed the service to continue as the Chit-Chat café.
Interfaith Santa
With the support of Telford & Wrekin Council, Balfour Beatty and many volunteers, the Mobile Santa Grotto returned to the streets of the borough for the two weeks before Christmas — the third year of the project.
- An estimated 2,000+ children experienced the Mobile Grotto
- More than 1,500 selection boxes delivered to vulnerable children
- Over 200 presents given to children who would otherwise have received nothing
Christmas Day meals
On Christmas Day 2022 volunteers prepared and delivered hot Christmas meals to over 250 vulnerable adults, many placed in homeless shelters around the borough, as well as elderly individuals and couples who were struggling. A sit-down meal was held at the Community Hub for those who wanted company on the day. More than 40 volunteers from the many communities that make up the Council gave their time to prepare, serve and deliver meals.
Easter Egg Project
At Easter 2023 the Board of Trustees, supported by volunteers, continued the Easter Egg Project for vulnerable families and individuals. Public support and donations enabled the delivery of over 800 Easter eggs across the borough, in the third year of the Easter Smile campaign.
