Hailsham Foodbank has entered an exciting new chapter with the opening of its new home, The Old Forge Community Hub, bringing together vital services under one roof and creating a welcoming space for the whole community.
The move marks a significant milestone for the local charity, which continues to support individuals and families facing financial hardship, food insecurity and other challenges.
But the new premises represent much more than a change of address. The Old Forge Community Hub has been developed with an ambitious vision to expand the support available to local residents, tackle social isolation and provide practical help that goes beyond emergency food parcels.
More Than Just a Foodbank
For the first time, Hailsham Foodbank will be able to operate its services from one central location, helping volunteers and staff work more efficiently while making it easier for people to access the support they need.
The new hub also incorporates a community fridge, open four days a week, providing access to fresh food while helping to reduce food waste across the town.
Alongside this, the building offers a safe, warm and welcoming environment where residents can enjoy a cup of tea, connect with others and access additional support.
Steve Mewett, Chair of the Board of Directors, explained the importance of the move:
“This new space is central to our vision of extending the services we provide — supporting and positively impacting more households and individuals, providing a more personal, joined-up service.”
He added that bringing the entire operation together in one location would streamline processes, strengthen the team and reduce time previously lost through working across multiple sites.
Building a Stronger Community
The vision behind The Old Forge extends far beyond providing food.
The charity hopes the hub will become a place where people feel valued, supported and empowered to overcome difficult circumstances.
By offering a welcoming environment and connecting residents with specialist services, the team aims to help reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, strengthen families and support recovery.
Steve described the ambition behind the project:
“The Old Forge Community Hub will be much more than a building — it will be a welcoming, inclusive space.”
He explained that the hub has been designed to act as a catalyst for positive change in Hailsham, helping people find connection, support and opportunity while building a stronger and more resilient community.
The development also reflects a wider ambition to reduce long-term reliance on foodbanks by addressing some of the underlying challenges that cause people to need emergency support.
Expanding Support Through Local Partnerships
The charity is already working to build on its relationships with organisations including Citizens Advice, the Sussex Energy Partnership and Community Money Advice.
These partnerships will help connect residents with specialist guidance on issues such as financial difficulties, energy costs and other challenges.
The Old Forge has also partnered with Clarion Futures, which provides practical employment support, including help with writing CVs, completing forms and preparing for interviews.
Further plans include developing links with an established addiction recovery group, broadening the range of assistance available through the hub.
As Steve put it, the new facility gives the charity the opportunity to “dream bigger and serve deeper”.
How You Can Support Hailsham Foodbank
Although the opening of The Old Forge represents a major step forward, the charity’s work continues to depend on the generosity of the local community.
There are several ways residents and businesses can make a difference:
- Donate food and essential supplies: Contributions of non-perishable food, toiletries and household essentials can help support local people experiencing hardship. Check the foodbank’s current most-needed items before donating.
- Make a financial donation: Monetary contributions help the charity respond to changing needs and continue delivering its vital services.
- Volunteer your time: From sorting donations to helping with the day-to-day running of services, volunteers play an essential role in the foodbank’s work.
- Get your business involved: Local businesses can support the charity through fundraising, workplace collections, sponsorship or other forms of community partnership.
- Spread the word: Sharing information about the foodbank and its services can help reach people who may not know where to turn for support.
A New Beginning for Hailsham
The opening of The Old Forge Community Hub is not simply about providing a larger or more practical space. It represents a commitment to creating a community where people can access help with dignity, build connections and find opportunities for a brighter future.
With dedicated volunteers, growing partnerships and continued support from the people of Hailsham, the charity hopes its new home will make a lasting difference for generations to come.
To find out more about Hailsham Foodbank, access support or discover how you can help, visit hailsham.foodbank.org.uk.
