The Victoria Centre Announces The Storehouse as Charity of the Year 2026

We are proud to announce that The Storehouse has been chosen as The Victoria Centre’s Charity of the Year for 2026.

This partnership supports an organisation doing vital work locally, helping people facing hardship, isolation, and the ongoing pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.

Who Are The Storehouse?

The Storehouse is a long-standing community project run by Southend Vineyard Church, serving the Southend area for over 20 years. What began as a response to unmet local need has grown into a vital support network for hundreds of people each week.

Staffed by five part-time team members and supported by a dedicated group of around 15 volunteers, The Storehouse exists to help individuals and families experiencing loneliness, homelessness, poverty, and social isolation. In recent years, demand for their services has increased significantly as financial pressures have intensified for many households.

What The Storehouse Does

Now open most weekdays, The Storehouse supports between 350 and 500 people every week, including children. Its work goes far beyond emergency support and focuses on building connection, dignity, and belonging. Key services include:

• A foodbank providing essential supplies
• A welcoming community café offering hot meals
• Family-focused sessions
• Dedicated men’s and women’s groups
• Creative activities such as painting and crafts

These sessions provide warm, safe spaces where people can meet others, enjoy food, access practical support, and feel part of a community. Multi-agency partners regularly attend sessions to offer additional guidance and specialist help.

The Storehouse also works closely with people with disabilities, welcoming them into weekly sessions where they can volunteer, take part in creative activities, build confidence, and develop new skills in a supportive environment.

Why This Partnership Matters

At The Victoria Centre, we believe shopping centres should be more than retail spaces, rather being places that support, reflect, and strengthen their communities.

By partnering with The Storehouse throughout 2026, we aim to raise awareness of their work, support their growing demand, and help shine a light on the importance of compassion, connection, and local action during challenging times.

How You Can Get Involved

Throughout 2026, we’ll be hosting a range of events, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives to support The Storehouse and the incredible work they do. There will be plenty of opportunities for our visitors and the wider community to get involved, whether through events, donations, or simply spreading the word.

Keep an eye on our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and announcements.

Together, we can help support our community, strengthen local connections, and make 2026 a year of care, kindness, and collective support.