Situated in SW14 & SW13, a relatively affluent part of London, there are still families with financial struggles resulting in subsequent problems with food and hygiene necessities. These families might not necessarily be able to access food banks which need a referral and eligibility confirmation. There are many families who are unable to make this hurdle but still struggle with the essentials.
Share and Care, a registered charity, offer weekly support bags of food, hygiene and cleaning products to families with children in 7 local primary schools. It is entirely volunteer run (including Duke of Edinburgh students getting involved), based in a small space kindly donated by St Mary Magdalen Church, Mortlake.
We first discovered Share and Care at the Christmas Hare and Hounds Market (another East Sheen community hub point) and when it came to thinking about which charitable cause we wanted to be involved with this year, it very quickly came to mind. As a plastic free hair care company, we usually turn to environmental causes, however we really resonated with Share and Care; people doing something, from the ground up, to help those in their community. An'du means 'to row gently against the tide' in Old Shetlandic and it is this philosophy that we feel Share and Care also inhabit. They understand that even little things can make big tangible differences to people's lives.
When we went to drop off out bars, we met Ali who talked us through how the Share and Care collective works and the type of people who they support. She spoke about a recent drive for suncream – so important in this heat – and such an expensive item.
Share and Care collective receive donations from the East Sheen branch of Waitrose and the Barnes Marks and Spencer. They also get bread from the local Cavan bakery. When we visited, they were in the middle of a discussion on how to support families through the holidays.
We feel very proud to have been able to give a little bit back to our community and partner with the Share and Care Collective in this way.
If you wish to get involved with the charity, you can make a donation at the food boxes in East Sheen Waitrose or Barnes M&S or head over to their website to find out how to volunteer, raise money or do a collection along your street.