Fair Frome reflects on ‘busiest year yet’ with new projects and trustees

THIS last year has proved to be the busiest yet for Fair Frome, which marked its 10th anniversary, appointed new trustees and expanded its services.

Fair Frome is the provider of the town’s food bank, as well as the supplier of Food @ Five, a service that provides free hot, nutritious meals at three different venues around the town as part of a warm space offering a cup of a tea and a chat.   

Fair Frome is also well-known for its Furniture and Baby Basics Bank as well as its Assistance Scheme.

Chair of the charity, John Killah, said, “The year 2024 was particularly important for us, as we acknowledged our 10th anniversary and managed to not only consolidate the range of services that we already provide, but also to add to and expand those range of services.

“Helping us achieve goals and targets was our wonderful team of employees, led by our senior coordinator Lenka Grimes, and so ably supported by Nick McCullough and Rebecca Harrison. Without these key personnel, very little of what we do would actually have happened. A huge ‘thank you’ is therefore due to all three.”

John also reports that during the year, Fair Frome appointed four new trustees: Jane Battye, Kieran Clancy, Rob Taylor and Jess Gardiner. 

“Our four new trustee appointments are extremely important to the charity. Not only has Fair Frome become larger and busier with the numbers that we are dealing with, but the needs of many of our clients coming through the door are becoming increasingly complex. What has become gratifying is that our relatively new home here at Mooracre is now seen by many organisations and individuals as a hub for other activities and services that are now seen as essential.

“We were absolutely delighted when Citizens Advice Somerset decided to hold regular advice sessions here, as does the Somerset Council Housing Officers and the Digital Health Connectors. 

“Other organisations are now regularly providing services under our roof, including Frome Birth Talk, Purple Elephant and the NHS GP Health Inclusion Team. What is extremely gratifying to see is that so many individuals and organisations want to be part of what is happening here at the Fair Frome Centre, because we are able to provide a safe, warm and welcoming space. That space also includes our adjoining vegetable and fruit community garden that now provides fresh produce for our food bank.

“We have also managed to maintain our Community Pantry service at our previous premises at the Elliott Building just behind the town hall. This service has gone from strength to strength and for many has become key as a ‘stepping stone’ for many clients wanting to take the crucial step from using the food bank to managing their own food budgets. We also provide free extra services for anyone attending the pantry, including support from a Purple Elephant Support worker and help from an energy advisor.

“Throughout the year we have also been there when help is most needed. As an example of this, it was clear to us that many children were going to school hungry. The government has promised to provide a breakfast meal to all school children. This is excellent news, but until this actually happens, Fair Frome will continue to provide a breakfast club meal to those schoolchildren who need it.

“No end-of-year message from Fair Frome would be complete without mentioning the enormous effort, time and support that is given to us by so many people and organisations, including our dozens of volunteers. Our local councils have been fantastic in their support, often at times when they themselves are under huge financial pressure. Our fellow charities and local stakeholders have all been fantastic. Frome has a thriving and expanding business sector and they have been so generous in supporting what we do.

“Finally, my thanks must also go to the people of Frome. Your generosity has been amazing. Food poverty will very much still be here in 2025 and I know that we will again be calling for your generosity during the next 12 months. In the meantime, here at Fair Frome, as well as doing what we always do in responding to real need, we shall also be wrapping up the special Christmas presents for those families that cannot afford them as well as playing our part for the Frome Christmas Get Together. At this very special time of year, a huge ‘thank you again’ from everyone at Fair Frome!”

The Fair Frome Food Bank will remain open on the usual Mondays and Fridays over the Christmas and New Year period but will be closed on Wednesday 25th December and Wednesday 1st January.

Food @ 5 will be closed on Wednesdays 25th December, Thursday 26th December and Wednesday 1st January. The Frome Christmas Get-Together will be providing meals on Christmas Day.   

For details of other services’ availability over the holiday period, please visit www.fairfrome.org or call 01373 488578.

Pictured: Staff, ex-staff, trustees and ex-trustees; Karen Stewart, Anne Hills, Bob Ashford, Carole Whittard, Linzie Davis, John Killah, Nick McCulloch, Rebecca Harrison, Lenka Grimes, Wendy Miller-Williams