This new store is another exciting partnership between our church and The Message Trust, aimed at supporting families facing the rising cost of living.

As a church, we already work alongside The Message Trust to deliver The Open Well, which is right next door to the new Community Grocery. Working together on both initiatives will further strengthen the work already underway, ensuring plenty of support is available for local people.

Community grocery manager, Anne Young, said:

“We are so excited to finally be open! South Bank has long needed a Community Grocery, and I’m thrilled to have lifelong resident Kelly Millican joining me as part of the team. We are really excited to be welcoming people!

“Community Groceries are amazing! They bridge the gap between food banks and supermarkets. For just £5 per shop, members can access a wide range of groceries—including fresh fruit, vegetables, tinned goods, baked items, frozen food, and household essentials—saving around £20 per visit!

“The store will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday. We can’t wait to sign up new members, and share the Gospel. If you’re in the area, do pop in—we’d love to see you!”

Dave Marley, Tees Valley Community Church’s Executive Pastor, said:

“We are delighted to once again partner with The Message Trust to open a Community Grocery in South Bank, and are excited to support this amazing and resilient community.

“As a church, we already work alongside The Message Trust to deliver The Open Well, which is right next door to the new Community Grocery. Working together on both initiatives will further strengthen the work already underway, ensuring plenty of support is available for local people.

“We are committed to improving the lives of the communities we serve, and we know there is an urgent need for a store like this in South Bank. Together, with the passion and dedication of our team and volunteers, we’re confident that this grocery, at the heart of the community, will have a real impact on many lives.”

Andy Hawthorne OBE, Global Chief Executive and Founder of The Message Trust added:

“Escalating prices are having a massive impact on everyone’s lives, but for many it’s made life so difficult that they are having to choose every day between heating or eating.

“We can’t stand by and do nothing, so the Community Grocery is here to help and that’s why we’re opening a new store in South Bank. Bridging the gap between food banks and supermarkets, we’re here to make it easier for our members to put food on the table by reducing the cost of the weekly shop, whilst also providing them with support and courses too.”

In addition to affordable groceries, members can access extra support such as job clubs, debt advice, mental health courses, cookery classes, and much more.

This is Tees Valley Community Church’s second Community Grocery partnership with The Message Trust, following the opening of the Ragworth store in 2021.

Find out about the Community Grocery here!