Community food session, Newport — Bountiful Bridges
posted on March 23rd, 2026
Funded
Active Project
Beacon 2.0 Project — Securing Futures for Newport’s BAME Families
We are thrilled to announce that Bountiful Bridges has secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to launch the Beacon 2.0 Project — a one-year expansion of our community support work responding directly to the growing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis on BAME households across Newport.
Across Newport, many BAME households are experiencing increasing pressure due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Families on low incomes are facing reduced access to culturally appropriate food and essential household supplies, while prolonged financial strain is impacting mental well-being — increasing stress, anxiety, and isolation. These challenges are particularly acute for families with limited access to trusted, culturally sensitive support.
This project is an expansion of the original Beacon Project, building on a strong track record of reaching over 800 low-income individuals and families over the past two years. The one-year expansion aims to extend support to an additional 500 families, responding directly to rising levels of need within the community.
The project strongly aligns with the funding priorities by directly supporting people under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis and bringing people together to build stronger relationships across Newport. By combining weekly food bank provision with wellbeing and employability sessions, Beacon 2.0 addresses both immediate financial hardship and the long-term resilience of BAME families — helping them meet basic needs with dignity while building the skills and connections they need to thrive.
Project Reach & Impact
+
Additional families to be reached
+
Individuals supported in previous phase
+%
Challenged by rising food prices & isolation
%
Said combined food and wellbeing support is vital
Households surveyed (November 2025)
Families in online focus group discussions
What Beacon 2.0 Delivers
Weekly Food Bank
Essential groceries, fresh produce, household supplies and culturally appropriate foods — every Wednesday or Saturday.
Wellbeing Sessions
Guidance on stress management, sleep, anxiety reduction and problem-solving to strengthen long-term mental resilience.
Employability Skills
CV development, interview preparation and budgeting workshops to improve livelihoods and financial resilience.
Community Hub
A welcoming space for peer support, relationship-building and regular engagement — reducing isolation and fostering belonging.
The Evidence Behind This Project
165 households surveyed in November 2025 across Newport — over 90% reported challenges with rising food prices and social isolation.
95% of focus group participants said combining food support, wellbeing and employability skills would help BAME families cope with immediate pressures and improve long-term financial resilience.
78 residents interviewed in the community and city centre confirmed that weekly wellbeing support will improve mental health and deepen connections across Newport.
80 families participated in online focus group discussions to shape the design of the project’s support offer.
100+ past beneficiaries were interviewed by our steering group of 7 people, confirming the urgent need to expand Beacon to reach more BAME households.
4 Newport City Council contacts confirmed that the expanded project will create long-term support and contribute to reducing isolation among low-income and marginalised households.
“Our community hub creates regular opportunities for people to connect, share experiences and build trusted peer relationships. Group sessions, consistent engagement and community-led delivery strengthen social networks, reduce isolation and foster a greater sense of belonging — contributing to a more inclusive, resilient and connected Newport.”
— Bountiful Bridges, Beacon 2.0 Project
Planned Outcomes
500 additional low-income BAME families reached with consistent food and household support
Weekly food bank operating every Wednesday or Saturday with culturally appropriate provisions
Wellbeing sessions addressing stress, anxiety, sleep and social isolation
Employability workshops covering CV writing, interview preparation and personal budgeting
A welcoming community hub encouraging peer support and regular engagement
10 trained volunteers supporting food delivery and wellbeing session delivery
Improved long-term financial resilience for participating BAME households
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