By Vicky Jones, wraparound care manager

The Community Share Pantry in Scaynes Hill has officially opened its doors, marking an exciting new community initiative aimed at bringing people together, reducing waste and supporting local residents.

The pantry was opened on Thursday 5th November by local MP Mims Davies, who was joined by Chairman of Lindfield Rural Parish Council Clive Laband, Rev’d Canon Martha Mutikani, Jenny Walker, community outreach at St Augustine’s Church, and Mr Cornford, headteacher of St Augustine’s CEP School, to celebrate the launch. The Community Share Pantry has been established with a simple idea at its heart: sharing what we have to help those around us. It provides a place where residents can donate and collect items, helping to ensure that useful goods are not wasted and that everyone has the opportunity to benefit.

What makes this project particularly special is that it is being looked after by the school’s very own wraparound club, STAr Club, at St Augustine’s CEP School. The children involved have been given the special title of STAr Club Ambassadors, taking responsibility for helping to care for the pantry and encouraging others to get involved. With the support and guidance of STAr Club staff, the children will play an important role in keeping the pantry organised, welcoming and accessible to the community.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for the children to put the school’s values into practice: Believe in Ourselves, Live Well Together, Anchored by God’s Love. Through the project, they can learn about kindness, responsibility, sustainability and the importance of looking after others. Residents are encouraged to donate long-life food, household essentials, small children’s toys and books. Whether it’s an unwanted tin of food, an extra household item or a children’s book that has been outgrown, every donation can make a difference to someone else. Please note that fresh produce and alcohol cannot be accepted.

The pantry is about more than simply sharing items. It is an opportunity to reduce waste, care for the environment and strengthen the sense of community within Scaynes Hill. By passing on things we no longer need, we can help our neighbours while making better use of the resources we already have. The school hopes the pantry will become a valuable community resource, encouraging residents to get involved, contribute where they can and take what they need. Everyone is welcome to support the pantry, whether by donating, taking something they need or simply spreading the word.