United Hands Foodbank Wellbeing Hub CIO
Charity 1198596
Overview
Summary
United Hands Foodbank Wellbeing Hub CIO appears to be positioning itself as more than an emergency food provider: it combines material relief with wellbeing, social connection and personal-development activity. Its model seems to use the foodbank as an accessible entry point into wider support, while drawing on community donations, volunteers and a local venue. The available evidence suggests an organisation seeking to reduce isolation and hardship together, though its scale, referral pathways and delivery beyond its visible Monday programme remain unclear.
Operational geography
Coverage: Neighbourhood
Operational areas:
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Remaining uncertainties
- Direct evidence: the organisation's website identifies its current base and advertised weekly wellbeing session in Smethwick. Smethwick is outside the supplied Birmingham ward and place list, so no Birmingham operational area can be recorded from this evidence.
- Direct evidence: the Charity Commission governing document permits activity in both Sandwell and Birmingham, but this is an area of benefit and charitable-object statement rather than evidence of services currently being delivered in Birmingham.
- Reasonable interpretation: the currently evidenced operational identity is neighbourhood-based, centred on a single Smethwick venue and described by the organisation as serving 'our community'. This supports a neighbourhood coverageType, but does not establish the geographic origins of food-bank, clothing-bank, counselling, workshop or training beneficiaries.
- No material partnership extending operational delivery into Birmingham is evidenced. The website mentions donations from Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Birmingham and a Milap Group event, but neither establishes a continuing Birmingham delivery site, referral arrangement or service programme.
- There is no evidence in the supplied material of delivery, outreach, mobile distribution, household repairs, health checks or youth activities at any named Birmingham venue, ward or City Centre location.
Additional evidence needed
- A current service timetable, referral criteria or distribution policy stating whether people are served in Birmingham and, if so, the Birmingham neighbourhoods or wards covered.
- A current annual report, impact report or monitoring return showing beneficiary geographic data, delivery locations, food-parcel routes or outreach venues.
- Confirmation from the organisation of any regular Birmingham venues, satellite sessions, home-delivery areas, or formally commissioned/referral partnerships that result in service delivery within Birmingham.
- Evidence distinguishing whether the Smethwick site is the only active delivery site or also supports services delivered elsewhere in Sandwell or Birmingham.
Areas of work
- General Charitable Purposes
- Recreation
Who they help
- Children/young People
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Food aid appears to be an entry point, not the full offer
The organisation appears to use immediate practical support as a foundation for wider wellbeing and capability-building work, rather than treating food distribution as a standalone intervention.
Why it matters
This helps explain its likely role in the local support system: it may reach people at moments of financial crisis while also creating opportunities for longer-term health, confidence and social support.
Show evidence
“The objects include operating a foodbank with linked support, services and advice, health promotion, health checks, recreational activities and activities developing young people's skills and capacities.”
Source:Charity Commission“The organisation describes food and clothing provision alongside counselling, workshops and training programmes.”
Source:Organisation
Social connection may be a deliberate part of its wellbeing approach
The regular elderly session appears designed not only around physical activity, but also around reducing isolation through hospitality, accessible activities and informal support.
Why it matters
This suggests the organisation may contribute to community resilience in ways that are not captured by counting food parcels alone, particularly for older residents who may be socially isolated.
Show evidence
“A Monday session at Smethwick Cricket Club offers refreshments, gentle exercise, healthy-living advice, mental-health support and adapted sports for elderly people.”
Source:Organisation“The session is described as an opportunity to stay active, maintain independence and connect with others.”
Source:Organisation
Its community relationships may be an important operating asset
The organisation appears to depend on local goodwill and may be building connections across community groups, donors and volunteers to sustain its offer.
Why it matters
Understanding these relationships is important because they may be as significant as formal funding in determining the organisation's reach, resilience and ability to respond quickly to need.
Show evidence
“The organisation states that it operates through donations of food, clothing and funds from the community.”
Source:Organisation“Volunteer roles include preparing food parcels, sorting clothing, leading workshops, providing wellness support and supporting fundraising events.”
Source:Organisation
- The number, profile and geographic distribution of people supported are not available.
- There is no evidence of referral partnerships, funding sources, outcomes or the frequency of services beyond the Monday session.
- It is unclear how the stated youth-support object is currently delivered.
Remaining uncertainties
- Service data showing activities delivered, attendance, food parcels and beneficiary groups over time.
- Information on referral routes, partner organisations, funding and volunteer capacity.
- Participant feedback or outcome evidence on financial resilience, wellbeing and social connection.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
United Hands Food Bank - Well-being Hub Activities Our Mission United Hands Food Bank operates as a comprehensive well-being hub, serving vulnerable individuals and families across all communities with dignity and respect. We believe that access to nutritious food and wellness support should be available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. Food Bank Services
Charity objects
THE OBJECTS OF THE CIO, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN SANDWELL AND BIRMINGHAM, ARE: A) THE PREVENTION OR RELIEF POVERTY FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT THROUGH THE OPERATION OF A FOODBANK OFFERING FOOD AND LINKED SUPPORT, SERVICES AND ADVICE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN FINANCIAL NEED TOGETHER WITH AN EMERGENCY HOUSEHOLD REPAIR SERVICE; B) THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF GOOD PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT THROUGH THE PROVISION OF FREE HEALTH PROMOTION ADVICE, HEALTH CHECKS, INFORMATION, SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WHICH PROMOTE HEALTHY ACTIVE LIFESTYLES; C) ADVANCING IN LIFE AND HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH: • THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES PROVIDED IN THE INTEREST OF SOCIAL WELFARE, DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THEIR CONDITIONS OF LIFE; • PROVIDING SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES WHICH DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS, CAPACITIES AND CAPABILITIES TO ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIETY AS MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS.