Episode 9: Heart of Sidley – tackling food poverty through community-driven support

Local Trust podcast

In this episode, we speak with resident and volunteer Sally Ricketts and project coordinator Tanya Vice, from Heart of Sidley Big Local in East Sussex. Heart of Sidley has a strong sense of community, but hidden challenges lie beneath the surface – in particular, food poverty. To help address this, Heart of Sidley Big Local introduced a voucher programme, to help local people access food and other essential items. The initiative has been particularly impactful for those who are not eligible for benefits, providing much needed support. The programme not only fosters community connections, it also supports local businesses and helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance. In this conversation, we explore how the initiative has improved the mental health of local residents, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and community-driven support.