'We'll meet again': The message from the director of a South Tyneside project which promises to return 'bigger and better'

Jarrow-based Williby Roc’s CIC was granted £2,000 from Tesco’s Bags of Help Programme.

And although it is no longer meeting because of the lockdown, the Williby Roc’s Director, Danielle Pollard, said that as a result of the funding boost: “We’ll meet again, and come back bigger than ever before.”

Danielle said: “We’re extremely grateful to local shoppers across South Tyneside for voting for us and to Tesco for the grant. The money we received was put towards setting up a local ‘Fix It Café’ within Bilton Hall Community Trust, in Low Simonside.

“We’ve run four events and an Eco Fayre to date.”

She said the grant went towards tools, room hire, materials as well as food and refreshments for the sessions.

Danielle aded: “It was a lovely way to engage volunteers for the Fix It Café from the local community.”

People brought in items to be fixed and Danielle added: “It’s something we’ll certainly look to run again after the isolation period has ended and we’ve already started putting in plans to run another Eco Fayre this summer.”

Williby Roc’s CIC is a learning project which helps people realise their potential for creativity and resourcefulness by using eco-friendly reclaimed materials as well as mending various household items.

Danielle thanked ‘everyone at Tesco and Groundwork for funding Williby Roc’s, which helped deliver an impactful community project in South Tyneside. It’s helped to instil a ‘can-do’ attitude in the community at a time when we certainly need it most.”

The Tesco Bags of Help grants, administered by the charity Groundwork, sees money awarded to thousands of local community projects.

David Ford, Local Communications Manager of the North, said: “We are really proud of the impact Bags of Help has had in communities across the North East.

“Williby Roc’s is just one of many groups across the nation which have benefitted from funding through the scheme, and we have awarded millions to similar projects which benefit communities across the region.”

Further information is available at www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp

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