New home for Fair Frome

Fair Frome has now moved to a larger premises following a search that has lasted two years, and the coordinators at the local charity say that the move to a larger space was needed as there has been an increasing demand for their services in recent times.

The local charity has moved from its premises at the Elliott Building, just behind the Frome Town Hall in Christchurch Street West, to a far larger premises at Unit 7, Longacre, Marston Trading Estate in Frome.

The two coordinators at Fair Frome, Lenka Grimes and Rosie Oakley, say they are pleased to be sharing this news.

“This is a really exciting development not only for our charity, but also for the whole of Frome,” says Lenka. “For those who have recently visited our old premises, they will understand that some time ago we started to outgrow the place. The current cost of living crisis has meant that our services have become even more in demand. For instance, during 2022 our food bank service alone helped a record number of 1,289 individuals, families, and couples.”

More than just a food bank

The charity has always emphasised that Fair Frome is a great deal more than just a food bank. As well as providing food parcels, with the help of local traders, they are also able to pass on vouchers to enable fresh bakery, vegetable, and meat products to be obtained. Amongst other projects, Fair Frome also operates Holiday Hunger, a scheme which provides activities and hot food for children throughout the summer holidays, and Food at Five, which provides a hot nutritious meal three evenings a week, every week at 5pm.

“We now also have an increasingly busy furniture bank and a baby basics service helping many households with essential items,” added Lenka.

In charge of the furniture bank is Nick McCulloch, who says he is especially pleased at the move to the new home. “This is a very significant development for us,” said Nick. “This means that we are now able to house everything under the one roof. It also means that all of the furniture can be kept in a dry and clean space.”

Coordinator Rosie added, “What we have aimed to do is to make our new building as warm and welcoming as possible to everyone who comes through the door. Not only are we able to more than adequately house both our food bank facility and our furniture bank, but the extra space now allows for people to come inside the building and not be stood outside. The new building is far more user-friendly and comfortable for everyone. It will also be a great deal easier to signpost our clients on to other services.”

Lenka said, “We are all delighted to see the new Fair Frome Centre up and running and open for business. However, our ability to act and respond to the needs of those who need help the most is entirely down to the generosity of our supporters, individuals, community groups, Frome businesses and local councils. So, on behalf of ourselves and our trustees, a mammoth thank you to the people of Frome who have actually made this happen.”

As regards the future of their previous home behind the Town Hall, Fair Frome are currently putting the finishing touches to a brand-new project, the details of which will be announced shortly.

Pictured: Co-ordinators Rosie Oakley (left) and Lenka Grimes at the new Fair Frome Centre.