Freedom Centre extends support to the Romsey community
Romsey Abbey Ward Councillors Sandra Gidley and Nik Daas have demonstrated their support for local families by providing a £1,000 Councillor Community Grant to the Freedom Centre in Romsey. This funding played a crucial role in the Centre’s annual Christmas hamper-making initiative, which supports individuals and families facing financial difficulties.
The Freedom Centre, part of the Freedom Church, runs the Romsey Foodbank alongside a variety of community outreach projects. More than 160 hampers were lovingly created, enabling recipients to select gifts and food items tailored to their individual needs. The grant helped fund essential food supplies for emergency parcels, as well as thoughtful gifts for both adults and children, during what is often the busiest and most challenging time of the year.
Beth Tanton from the Freedom Church said: "Many of these families and individuals really cherish the opportunity to choose food items and gifts that best suit and will be best loved by their families – items they would not be able to afford otherwise. We also find it a very helpful touchpoint and love getting the chance to check in on people."
In addition to their vital foodbank service, which is a lifeline to many in the area, the Freedom Centre offers a range of community support services that are accessible to residents of Romsey and surrounding areas. These include:
- Citizen's Advice Drop-In – providing guidance on legal, housing, and financial matters.
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre– supporting individuals and families to take control of their finances.
- Employment Hub – working with Eastleigh Job Centre to help people get back into work.
- Community Coaching Programme – offering tailored support to individuals in need.
These services aim to provide ongoing support and solutions for those facing financial challenges or hardship.
Councillor Sandra Gidley said: "I was delighted to support this wonderful initiative. People weren’t just handed a box of food—they were given real choices to make Christmas a little brighter. Fabulous effort by all involved!”
Councillor Nik Daas added: "The Freedom Centre does an incredible job year-round, but their Christmas hamper initiative is especially meaningful. It provides vital support to those who need it most, while also offering a sense of dignity and choice. I’m proud that we could contribute to such a worthwhile project.”
The Freedom Centre encourages those in need to reach out for help and for members of the community to get involved in their work.
For more information on their services, visit www.romsey.foodbank.org.uk or follow them on social media.
The Freedom Centre’s Christmas hamper initiative is an inspiring example of how Test Valley Borough Council’s Councillor Community Grant Scheme helps support vital community projects. To learn more about the scheme and how your organisation or group can apply for funding, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/CCG