Providing hope to the communities in the UK
SWAN is committed to addressing food insecurity and supporting communities in the UK. Our focus on providing weekly food banks and soup kitchens in South London stems from a dedication to alleviating local hunger. In addition to catering to the immediate needs of the community, SWAN extends its reach to refugees, recognising the importance of offering assistance beyond borders.
Our mission ones beyond mere sustenance - we aim to empower individuals through education and guidance. SWAN provides advice to the community, fostering a sense of resilience and self sufficiency as well as projects such as our monthly art club for refugee children to provide a safe space for them to be creative and meet others.
Soup Kitchens
Soup kitchens play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of food poverty. In a world where access to nourishing meals should be a basic human right, these establishments act as beacons of hope and support for individuals and families facing hunger.
Our Soup Kitchens
Thornton Heath
Monday 6:30 PM
Gilet Mosque, Gillette Road, CR7 8SN
Croydon
Wednesday 7:30 PM
Croydon Mosque, 525 London Road, CR7 6AR
Clapham
Fortnightly on Saturday at 4:45 PM
79-81 Clapham Common, SW4 9DQ (outside Dudley Hotel)
Community Care Clinic
Book a slot and come along to our drop in support group by:
Thursday 10:00 - 13:00
The Living Space, 19 Thrale Road, SW16 1NS
The Community Care Clinic operates to help those facing problems such as welfare and benefit advice, debt advice, housing advice, support with claiming benefits and form filling. SWAN are working on bridging the gap between those that need the help and the help available to them. This clinic grants a safe space to those looking for advice or clarification on how they can improve their situation.
Book a Slot
Foodbanks
Food insecurity remains a persistent concern in the UK, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to the latest statistics from the Trussell Trust, a leading food bank network, there was a 33% increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed between 2019 and 2020. This alarming rise is indicative of the growing need for food banks across the country. Moreover, data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food poverty, leaving many families struggling to put food on the table.
The regular food bank supports 9480 beneficiaries with a database of 887 families, supplying 30-40 packs per week. The temporary food bank for 6 months provided 25-40 food packs every week, totalling 2460 food parcels given to families with an average of 4 people per family.
Our Foodbanks
Streatham
Tuesdays
South London Islamic Centre
Help from others
We have teamed up with a number of organisations and receive weekly food donations from Dons Charity, JR Butchers, and Gails Bakery, and Supermarkets such as Lidl’s, Waitrose, M&S, Aldi, and Tesco. We also receive regular donations from our local community, Orchard Primary School and Balham Mosque.
The help from all of these organisations and our dedicated volunteers is not only an example of the local community’s empathy and hard work to erase food poverty but we also believe is a testament to the trust they have in SWAN to be the means of relief for food poverty in South London.
Surplus food
Not only do we work to provide food packs once a week in South London alongside three active soup kitchens to give warm meals out to those that need it, we ensure no food goes to waste and that we can help as many people as possible. Our surplus food is collected every Thursday to be taken to St Martins Community Centre for their food bank. These partnerships ensure as many mouths are fed as possible.
Social activities
We at SWAN, aim to help our community not only through tackling food poverty but creating a community and a safe space for all ages through art classes and play groups for children but also tea and talk sessions for those older to meet others in similar situations and form a sense of community to combat loneliness and other emotional problems. We believe in helping people practically and emotionally.
Weekly Playground
Tea And Talk Sessions
Art
Classes
SWAN500
The SWAN500 project, fueled by the weekly contributions of 500 generous donors at £1 each, has made a significant impact. From addressing immediate needs like fixing ceilings, replacing carpets, and providing essential appliances, to aiding the homeless and alleviating debt, the support rendered has been invaluable. With a dedicated fund of £500 per case, SWAN ensures a targeted approach to emergency relief, covering bills, debts, or other critical needs. This initiative bridges gaps in existing charity missions, reaching those who might otherwise be overlooked. In the past year, SWAN500 has successfully assisted 39 families through general charity donations and 17 families through zakat funds, totaling 56 families supported. This achievement, averaging more than one family per week, is a testament to the impactful collaboration between SWAN and its dedicated supporters.
Together we can make a difference!
Help those in need by donating today and make a meaningful difference in someone's life.