Landmark charity is a ‘good neighbour’ to many with new household parcel scheme

A Crewe charity has launched a scheme to help families cut down on the cost of living as it nears a milestone 40^th anniversary.

St Paul’s Centre, a landmark on Hightown since 1986, has expanded its support to local people ‘feeling the pinch’ with a Good Neighbour Parcel scheme offering household essentials such as toiletries and cleaning products as well as baby goods and kettle-friendly food that can be prepared with just hot water.

It now runs alongside the charity’s large Food Bank, Friday furniture sales, Sals recycled shoes and bike workshop.

Chief executive Jez Chalmers said: “For many years now we’ve been running the Foodbank which provides emergency food in times of crisis, and every so often when people donate food to us, they also donate alternative items such as toiletries and other essential items.

“Until recently this has meant that we could give those kind of items out alongside the food in a very ad-hoc way. However after realising that many people in the community are having to choose between food or things like hygiene we decided we wanted to set up a separate project that ensured we could give essential items whenever there was need.

“After securing some funding from Bentley (advancing lives) as well as money from Meritec (who wanted specifically to support our bedding packs) we were able to set up our brand new Good Neighbour Parcels. 

“What this means is that households feeling the financial pinch are able to receive not just food from St Paul’s Centre, but many other essential items.”

For nearly 40 years St Paul’s Centre has been based in one location – the old church building on Hightown.

As the need in the community increased, so too did its desire to grow services and the ability to keep meeting that need.

Towards the end of 2025 the charity acquired a new shop front on Victoria Street in Crewe town centre to help boost retail income as well as provide  some extra office space.

Jez added: “2025 was a very busy year of change for St Paul’s Centre, but we’re excited at the potential it gives us to grow. We want to honour the last 40 years, but also prepare ourselves for the next 40 years, so we can carry on providing hope and practical help for local households.”

Under the umbrella of Good Neighbour Parcels households can be referred for the following:

• Baby Essentials pack (this can include things like nappies, baby wipes, baby shampoo and Sudocrem)
• Toiletries pack (shower gel, toothpaste, soap and deodorant)
• Household pack (washing detergent, laundry conditioner and dishwasher tablets)
• Kettle friendly packs

For more on how the charity supports local people and volunteering opportunities go to https://www.stpaulscentre.org.uk/