Proud to support St Albans Postbox Toppers again in 2022 

We're really pleased to support the incredible yarnbombing efforts of St Albans Postboxes again this year.  Our topper is located in Wheathampstead village this year but you will see them all over the St Albans District.  There is a trail map on the website if you're ambitious enough to try and visit them all!

Since starting in 2018, they've yarnbombed postboxes more than 230 times, with over 250 toppers (thanks to theft and damage), and over £82 000 has been raised for local charities in this amazing fundraising project, bringing together volunteers, local businesses and everyone in the community. We can't wait to see how much can be raised in 2022.

Dec 2018 £10,192 (Earthworks, Counselling Foundation, Ollie Foundation)

Dec 2019  £12,344 (Age Concern St Albans, Small Acts of Kindness)

Summer 2020 covid special - £3,521 (St Albans and District Foodbank and Open Door St Albans)

Dec 2020 £26,495 (St Albans and District Foodbank and Open Door St Albans)

Dec 2021 £30,098 (The ADD-vance ADHD and Autism Trust and YOUTH TALK)

Please help to make 2022 a record year by donating at the links below:

Donation link: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/st-albans-postboxes-christmas-2022

Website: https://stalbanspostboxes.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stalbanspostboxes

Charities: https://www.actionforhomeless.co.uk/

St Albans Community Pantry https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084363871658

Please read on for information about the charities being supported this year and their amazing work...

St Albans Community Pantry

Born out of, and supported by the Sopwell Community Trust, St Albans Community Pantry (SACP) have been providing food aid across St Albans since March 2020 to close to 3,000 people. By providing the high-ticket items - fresh produce - we’re lifting some of the burden on families who are being financially tested to breaking point.

In order to reach the most vulnerable in our community, our boxes of predominantly fresh produce are home delivered to 400 individuals every week in St Albans, London Colney, Wheathampstead, Hatfield and neighbouring villages.

Families receive a food box a week for as long as they need. Self-referrals are welcome and there is no need for vouchers. We also work with the Hygiene Bank to provide toiletries.

The community pantry also operates at the Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre (CCCC) every Monday from 12 to 2pm, offering fresh fruit/veg/nappies and bread for people to pick up free of charge and judgment.

In addition, our ‘bread buddies’ scheme enables individuals to act as a hub to redistribute bread in their community free of charge.

St Albans Action for the Homeless

Together we can all make a difference and improve the lives of our street homeless.

This is about a group of friends who have come together to help our vulnerable homeless neighbours, we will help them find the right help for any problems they might have, help them find the amenities available that help with addiction and shelter.

We offer food at the weekend when other charities are closed, this is very popular and welcomed by our friends.

We also hand out clean clothes, underwear and basic toiletries on a Wednesday night.

In September 2021, we opened Hope House our first supported living home which provides accommodation and support for four males.

The reasons why people become homeless are often complex and there is not one quick fix to suit all. There are many organisations that offer support and we work locally with many other services to ensure our homeless friends get the best support they can.

Together we can all make a difference and improve the lives of our street homeless.

A message from St Albans Action for the Homeless

Government figures released on the 28th July 2022 show 74,230 households in England became homeless or were at imminent risk of becoming homeless between January and March 2022. This represents a 11% rise in three months and a 5% rise on the same period last year. Evictions slumped during the pandemic, as court proceedings were caused.

The cost-of-living crisis and rising rents, coupled with energy price hikes mean it will only get worse.  As a last resort people are begging to put food on the table. So, this funding has come at the right time for us financially as it means we can help more people.

We really need this extra funding.