Volunteer Achievements with the Havens Food Cooperative Project

Our volunteer team over at Havens Food Cooperative are absolutely amazing.

They are collecting from our partnered stores 7 days a week, 364 days a year.

Over just one week our team will visit the stores over 110 times and collect more than 3 tonnes of food, to redistribute it back to the community, supporting those at risk of food insecurity locally and preventing waste to protect the environment!

#havensfoodcooperative #partneredstores #shops #charity #community #havenscommunityhub #support #volunteer #volunteers #volunteering

Havens Community Hub
Sweet Treats at the Havens Connections Cafe!

The wonderful volunteers in our community café- Havens Connections Café have been busy this week making some delicious sweet treats!

Angelique has made some amazing Nutella & biscoff pastries and Julia has whipped up a biscoff and caramel cheesecake with homemade ice cream.

Come enjoy a sweet treat and a warm welcome!

Open Monday-Friday 9:15am - 3pm

Havens Community Hub
A little each month can make a big difference!

At Havens Community Hub, we see every day how much a safe, welcoming space and a warm meal can mean to someone who’s struggling. From tackling food insecurity to supporting wellbeing, the Hub is here because of people like you.

By becoming a monthly supporter, you help us plan ahead and be there when our community needs us most. A small regular gift helps provide food, resources & vital support to local people all year round through our projects Havens Food Cooperative & Havens Connections Cafe.

Regular giving = reliable support

It helps us respond quickly when needs rise

It keeps our projects running- providing food & other resources to those at risk

If you’re able to give a little each month, you’ll be making a lasting difference to lives right here in our community. Thank you for supporting us

https://bit.ly/DonateHavensHub

#havenscommunityhub #monthlysupport #supportneeded

Havens Community Hub
We are thrilled to be part of the Lewes District Local Lottery which helps raise funds for various good causes in the Lewes district.

With each ticket priced at just £1, we receive 50p for every ticket sold, making a real difference together.

Not only do you get a chance to support our cause, but you also have a 1 in 50 chance of winning fantastic prizes, including a grand prize of £25,000!

Don't miss out! Head over to:

https://bit.ly/HavensLottery

to purchase your tickets and help us make a positive impact in our community.

Every little bit helps, and together we can achieve so much! Thank you for your support!

#lottery #fundraising #winner #community #leweslocallottery #havenscommunityhub

Havens Community Hub
We’re proud to be supported by the Co-op Local Community Fund this year!

The Hub and projects, Havens Connections Cafe and Havens Food Cooperative, has been chosen as a local cause- helping us continue our work reducing food waste and supporting our community.

If you’re a Co-op member, you can support us at no extra cost by selecting us as your chosen cause here:

Choose us as your supported cause here!

#CoopCommunity #SupportLocal #FoodWasteAction #HavensCommunity #FeedingCommunity

Havens Community Hub
Homeless Support in the Havens & a Thank You to Our Wonderful Community

Havens Community Hub via its work with the Hillcrest Community Centre, Havens Food Cooperative and Havens Connections Cafe has found itself doing what it does best. Responding rapidly to emerging unmet community needs.

To cut a long story short, there has been a rapid increase in homelessness in the Havens and we are trying to help in an impactful partnership between statutory agencies, local authorities and other charities and groups like ourselves.

We would like to offer a massive thanks to everyone who has offered support and donated items for the homeless or insecurely housed people we are currently trying to help locally.

It is a very complicated issue but something that we needed to address.

Our wonderful community can send items for us to use, if you would like to or are able, by looking at the list.

The community has sent many items from our wish-list to help us bridge the gap between local authority support for rough sleepers / insecurely housed, or vulnerable people, or donated bedding and other essential items.

We have no more room for donated items (clothes/bedding) but items from the Amazon list are still very welcome.

Many people donated anonymously with lovely wishes and words of encouragement.

We are working really hard, in partnership with local authorities and other non-profit organisations, to make a difference locally.

THANK YOU

https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/KZCE94G5LNRE/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

Havens Community Hub
Visit Havens Connections Café

Why not visit our Community Café today and sample some delicious treats homemade by our wonderful volunteers.

Cameron has made his super yummy World Famous (if it’s not it should be) Salted Caramel Flapjacks.

If you’re quick you could also get your hands on Angelique’s outstanding Red Onion and Mature Cheddar Cheese Scones.

At just £2 each, you may even want to take a treat home with you.

We are open Monday to Friday 9-15am - 3pm.

#communitycafe #homecooking #volunteer

Havens Community Hub
Meet Havens Connections Cafe's Newest Volunteer!

We’re delighted to welcome Alison to our café team!

Having recently retired, Alison wanted to give something back to the community, and we’re so grateful she’s joined our volunteer team.

Today she’s been busy in the kitchen, baking this delicious chocolate & orange cake made using surplus ingredients. A perfect example of how surplus food can be turned into something wonderful.

£2.50 a slice, add ice cream or custard for extra sweetness!!

Havens Community Hub
Read our Winter Newsletter!

Our Winter edition of Havens Happenings online newsletter is out!

Read all about the latest developments of our community projects: Havens Food Cooperative & Havens Connections Cafe and our legacy charities: Havens Community Cars CIO & Havens Happy Clubs!

View Here:

https://preview.mailerlite.io/.../761012/175229231100331402

Don't forget to subscribe to receive our online news updates quarterly, using the sign up box on our website!

#communitynewsletter #havenscommunityhub #communityprojects #findawaymakeaway

Havens Community Hub
ITV Meridian News Visits Havens Connections Café

Friday 12th December, Reporters from ITV visited Havens Connections Café, a project of Havens Community Hub to talk about the services the Café has to offer- affordable food and comfort for locals. The Café both acts as a space where people can access a free hot meal, as well as a place where people can connect with others and access information about further services. The service is busier than ever as a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Havens Community Hub
New Pop-up-Pantry Location for Havens Food Cooperative!

Havens Food Cooperative are delighted to announce that a new pop up pantry is now available in Peacehaven, East Sussex on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, 9:30am- 2pm, at Kempton House Day Centre, Cavell Avenue, Peacehaven, Sussex, BN10 7NJ.

Pop along and collect some surplus food and make a donation if you can!

Havens Community Hub
Lewes District Food Partnership's Winter Fundraiser

This winter the Lewes District Food Partnership is raising funds for local community food projects, including Havens Food Cooperative's Community Pantry, Newhaven Baptist Church Food Bank, Seahaven Community Food Community Supermarkets, and more amazing local food support projects!

To help us tackle food insecurity please donate if you are able, Lewes District Council is providing matched funding of up to £5000 which means -

Your £10 donation is doubled to £20

Your £25 donation is doubled to £50

Your £50 donation is doubled to £100!

Donate here:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-local-emergency-food-projects-this-winter?fbclid=IwY2xjawOdFtBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoR25CZTU3a2tmMWJBTDRhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuy-lgbf7vE5ScRMULg6r3UjIaGY_Q39KxOSlDvDk_fyhexWdeHRrBYiTeHt_aem_Ot2n-OsrBXU0xsu9n9i98A

Thank you for your support!

#winterfundraiser #communityfoodsupport #lewesdistrictfoodpartnership

Havens Community Hub
Pottery and Pizza with Havens Community Hub (HAF programme)

This winter school holiday break Havens Community Hub are running a Pizza and Pottery session for 11-15 year olds on 22nd December in Havens Connections Cafe.

Fully funded places are available for young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

To find out more and book visit: https://eequ.org/book/pottery-and-pizza-with-havens-community-hub-22482?fbclid=IwY2xjawOdFhVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexodGgd1WAVOUvZqJuWl00u-Ka13oifTWarC_DW6CHivzuRgIn98FHx2iRh4_aem_b2C1kzuAtp_QQ0cKs1b6Cg

#HAF #kidsactivities #schoolholidays #communitysupport

Havens Community Hub
Donate to Havens Community Car's Christmas Fundraiser!

The Big Give Christmas Challenge has officially begun!

From 2nd- 9th December every donation you make to Havens Community Cars will be DOUBLED, helping us provide lifeline community transport for older people, disabled residents, and those isolated in our local area.

Every £10 becomes £20. Every £25 becomes £50. Anything you are able to support our charity with is hugely appreciated!

Help us reach more people who have no other way to get to medical appointments, shopping, social groups, or community activities.

Donate here: https://bit.ly/HavensCommunityCars

We want to say a huge thank you to the amazing individuals and local businesses who pledged early support and helped us get our fundraising challenge off the ground, including Aurora HR, 2nd Cup of Tea and Open House Brighton Coast.

#BigGive2025 #ChristmasChallenge #HavensCommunityCars #GiveLocal #SupportCommunity #CommunityTransport #EveryJourneyMatters

Havens Community Hub
Bills Clinic with Emma from Utility Warehouse

Our volunteer Emma Scorgie; Utility Warehouse authorised partner has teamed up with Havens Connections Café to host a special ‘Bills Clinic’ coffee morning, at our café on Tuesday 18th November from 10am - 12pm.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t understand your energy bills, unsure if you’re on a good deal for broadband, or wondering if there is a cheaper SIM deal out there, this is the perfect opportunity for finding out.

Emma will answer any questions you have about your utility bills, run through the Utility Warehouse option and provide a no obligation quote for you, all FREE of charge.

The best bit; if you decide that switching to Utility Warehouse is the best option for you, Havens Community Hub can receive a donation up to £125.

So, come along, meet Emma, have a chat and have some tea/coffee & cake on us.

Havens Community Hub
Christmas Dinners at Havens Connections Café!

Make this Christmas Season extra special with a delicious homemade festive meal at Havens Connections Café!

Choose from:

Traditional Christmas Meal – £24 per person (2 courses)
Roast turkey with all the trimmings, seasonal veggies, crispy roast potatoes, and a homemade dessert.

Festive Christmas Meal – £15 per person (2 courses)
A creative, sustainable twist on Christmas! Enjoy a surprise menu crafted from quality surplus ingredients from FareShare and local partners- delicious, hearty, and planet-friendly.

Dates available (12–3pm):

  • Thursday 4 December

  • Friday 5 December

  • Thursday 11 December

  • Friday 12 December

  • Thursday 18 December

Havens Connections Café, The Hillcrest Community Centre, Bay Vue Road, BN9 9LH
Book your table: havensconnectionscafe@gmail.com
Or pop in and see us in person!

Bring your loved ones, enjoy a festive meal, and help support our community café!

Havens Community Hub
Turning Surplus into Smiles at Havens Community Hub!

At Havens Community Hub, we believe that good food should never go to waste, and that’s exactly why our Havens Food Cooperative and Havens Connections Café work hand in hand.

Each week, our Havens Food Cooperative rescues surplus food from local supermarkets, suppliers, and community partners. Instead of this perfectly good food going to landfill, it’s given a second chance- sorted, shared, and used to make something truly delicious.

That’s where our talented café team at the Havens Connections Café come in! Using these rescued ingredients, they whip up homemade soups, hearty lunches, and yummy sweet treats to support the community!

It’s a beautiful cycle of sustainability, creativity, and community:
Food that might have gone to waste is rescued.
It’s transformed into nourishing meals.
Those meals support local people accessing food support

This month we have had plenty of seasonal surplus apples to get cooking with! Treats have been made including Apple Crumble, Apple Tart, Apple Cake and more!

Havens Community Hub
Choose to support Havens Community Hub using your Co-op Mebership!

Havens Community Hub has been nominated as one of the Co-op supported causes but we need your help!

We need you, as Co-op member to choose our cause on the Co-op app.

Follow the link below to choose us:

https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/94696?fbclid=IwY2xjawNkc4tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBIVHdXajhrV21nb1FoY2xXAR5NSj1F-4SJg0dlSTa5pPvWaAH4uLLbh4Zr-KkFV6GUFxmRFQE7zu3OObKUcA_aem_WR8hQbX94zF7C9wrxJZhJw

Havens Community Hub
Training & Opportunities at Havens Connections Café!

At Havens Connections Café, we’re not just serving up great coffee and delicious food- we’re serving opportunities!

Here are some photos from our recent training session, where several of our lovely volunteers learned to use new barista equipment

To keep things relaxed and creative, our Café Manager Julia also hosted some pottery painting, adding a splash of colour to the day and a chance to unwind between learning sessions.

Our amazing volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to support them with free training and development, to support them in their roles including opportunities like:

Barista training

Food hygiene certification

Safeguarding training

… and more!

These skills don’t just help in the café- they build confidence, boost employability, and open new doors for the future.

If you’d like to volunteer, gain new skills, and be part of a supportive, welcoming team, get in touch today to apply!

havensconnectionscafe@gmail.com

#HavensConnectionsCafe #CommunityTraining #VolunteerWithUs #HavensCommunityHub #LearnAndGrow #LocalSupport

Havens Community Hub