When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK in March 2020 and a nationwide lockdown was enforced Inspero felt compelled as a food and wellbeing charity to introduce a number of new services to support those vulnerable and in need within their local community.
With a small but very willing army of volunteers Inspero now provides following services to residents of the Beggarwood, Buckskin, Hatch Warren and Kempshott areas of Basingstoke…
- A ‘drop in’ Community Food Hub and Community Shop & Pantry (now based at Kempshott Village Hall) stocked with donated grocery items from local supermarkets, surplus food donations and produce from Inspero’s own organic garden for those struggling to feed themselves and their families.
- Weekly food packages deliveries for those unable to get out due to shielding, in family difficulties or unemployment due to Covid-19.
- Shopping and prescription collection and delivery.
- Our chef Glen Forder prepared 100 weekly hot healthy meal for vulnerable older people and young families, this service supported both Inspero and Caritas families in 2020 and 2021.
- Friendly check in and chat calls for those feeling lonely or struggling with mental health.
“I would like to thank Inspero food hub in these difficult times it has helped me tremendously. The staff are great, thank you for your support.”
Magdelina, Buckskin
“I received a food package for you this afternoon and I wanted to say a big thank you. Means a lot to me as I can’t get to the shops with my children so having others support is a life line at the moment.”
Laura, Kempshott
If you weren’t here I would starve, by the time you’ve paid the bills there isn’t much left for food, people like me would be done for.”
Roy, Buckskin
In providing these services Inspero turns around 2-3 tonnes of surplus and ambient food per week repurposed for local people’s benefit and also helping the environment by reducing food waste
Inspero also supports two local homeless shelters May Place Homeless Shelter in Basingstoke town centre and Mthe local YMCA.
For our clients Inspero’s Covid-19 support services have been a lifeline throughout the pandemic and continue to be so and for that reason Inspero will endeavour to provide them for as long as the need is there.
If you are in need and would like to access Inspero’s Covid-19 support, you can request help by calling 07950 686614 or emailing info@inspero.org.uk
And for those interested in supporting Inspero’s Covid-19 Community work we would welcome any food and basic essential donations to our Community Food Hub at Kempshott Village Hall on Thursday’s, the hub is open 10.00am – 2.00pm or if you would like to donate funds to our Covid-19 Community Support work please visit https://localgiving.org/charity/inspero/.