Moulsecoomb is identified as one of the 10% of neighbourhoods with the highest level of deprivation (as measured in the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019) nationally. At the time the research was undertaken, 40% of all the children in our catchment area were deemed to be living in poverty. There can be little doubt that this figure would be far higher now. This level of deprivation has enormous knock effects on the physical health, emotional wellbeing, educational achievement and overall life chances of the people that live here. We are determined not stand by and watch this play out, but to do everything we can to show Moulsecoomb it is not forgotten, to help to improve - even in a small way - people's day to day life and to boost morale by demonstrating to the whole community that we can achieve positive change when we act together. Moulsecoomb Community market provides access to healthy, affordable food, for households that would otherwise not have it. It is open to all people who live within the boundaries of the Moulsecoomb area. We do not means test people and we do not require a referral. We have around 180 active members (one membership per household) who pay between £2.50 - £6.00 each time and this allows them to choose a range of food and household items to the value of between £10 - £25. We rely upon donated and surplus food, as well as (increasingly) buying in bulk. Car ownership in Moulsecoomb is considerably lower than the national average and buses into town and the larger, cheaper supermarkets are expensive, unreliable and inadequate for the demand. This, and the fact that our elderly residents struggle to carry a lot of shopping, means that too often people rely on a couple of corner shops where the prices are higher and the range of fresh foods is very limited. We are based in the heart of a large estate so the overwhelming majority of our shoppers can walk to us. We always provide at least 4 varieties of vegetables, 3 varieties of fruit and local, free-range eggs every week. None of these items are reliably or affordably available in the nearest shops. We aim to improve the health of the community we serve and reduce the high levels of food poverty that exists. We aim to educate and expand people's horizons when it comes to food choices, but without it feeling patronising or like charity. We want to build people's confidence about preparing food on a budget and to help them feel that they are not alone in their struggles. We know how guilty and ashamed many parents feel when they cannot feed their children in the way they want to and how just having fruit in the house (as an example) makes a huge difference to feelings of wellbeing. We've done really good work for the last 4 years and we know that the need remains. Moulsecoomb Community Market was the first affordable food project in the City. We have been running for 4 years (21 months as a CIC) and have an established reputation for being innovative, enthusiastic and inclusive. We participate fully in the local emergency food network and have helped several other projects to get up and running. We have worked in partnership with many third sector organisations and local charities as well as the Local Authority. We were a trusted partner of Brighton & Hove City Council and have a track record of providing practical support quickly and effectively. On Market days and via our notice boards, we provide signposting as well as being a hub for other agencies who regularly set up shop at the hall to connect with traditionally 'hard to reach' residents. This has included help with housing, debt, fuel costs and even cooking. The original founders of the Market comprised the local Councillor and a couple of residents. Now, half of the Directors and virtually all the volunteer team are local residents - all of whom began as members and then became involved because they wanted to give something back. Having this local perspective is absolutely critical - and has many other advantages. It means: - that we are always in touch with local issues and have lots of local knowledge to draw on - it removes a barrier to access if people are greeted by someone they know and - that the local community has a stake in the direction the project takes as well as ensuring it continues. Creating the Market has brought many elements of this community together; not least the different cultural and ethnic groups that had previously rarely communicated or interacted. This was not without some tension, but we have seen a gradual softening of attitudes and a willingness to focus on what we have in common, rather than any superficial differences. We have worked hard to ensure that our volunteer team is truly representative of the community we serve, because this really helps to engage people. So we are proud to have a team that includes a mix of ages, ethnicities, sexualities and genders, people struggling with mental health or isolation issues, people with caring responsibilities, people on licence, the list goes on. But it does mean that, for us, a commitment to diversity and equality is not a tick box exercise, but a code to work by. And we can look our services users in the eye and say, truthfully, we understand how you are feeling, you are not alone. The Market has brought the focus back to an underused (and neglected) community hall which has been completely renovated by the community and is now a hive of activity on every day - with lots of support groups; adult learning courses and children's activities.

Our most important stakeholders are our members – the residents of Moulsecoomb. We have regular informal discussions with shoppers at the market and have conducted surveys. Topics covered have included what’s most important in terms of food, how to cope with rising demand and what additional help would be most useful, to access. We have regular volunteer days and all the team are completely up to date on our financial situation and are always willing to offer suggestions and solutions.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration