Food & Solidarity Newcastle – Community Group
Food & Solidarity is a community group in Newcastle built by the people it serves. Whether you need food support, housing guidance, or want to volunteer for collective action, we are a member-led community building power and solidarity in Newcastle since 2020.
A Community Group in Newcastle That Fights Back
Most community groups in Newcastle provide a service. Food & Solidarity is different: we are a democratic, member-led organisation where every member — whether they receive food parcels or pack them — has an equal voice and an equal stake.
We were founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Mutual aid/Suvival Program response in Newcastle's Inner West End — Benwell, Elswick, Arthur's Hill. Five years later, we have 500 members, operate citywide including Blakelaw and Cowgate, and sit on the national steering group of the Homes for Us Alliance.
What this community group in Newcastle has won
- Multiple evictions blocked through collective action — Grace's story, Dennis's story
- Breamish House residents got emergency repairs within 24 hours after one collective letter to a council cabinet meeting — member wins →
- The Home Office reversed its 7-day refugee eviction policy after organised pressure from our members
- Newcastle City Council unanimously endorsed our No Child Poverty campaign
- 3,000+ food parcels distributed in 2025
- Big Issue Changemaker Award 2025
Hear from Members
"People in your community are there to help you if you need it. We're here to support each other."
"Food & Solidarity helped us face difficult landlords and get what's right by law."
"It's really helpful — two parcels a month help extremely. We are happy and in unity!"
What We Do
Members receive food parcels because food is something people need. Members stop evictions because housing is something people need. These aren't two different things — a service and a campaign running alongside each other. They're the same organisation, the same people, acting on the same problem.
When Grace received an eviction notice, members went to court with her. When Breamish House residents reported damp for months and got nothing, they door-knocked their block together and delivered one collective letter. Repairs were done in 24 hours. When the Home Office cut refugee move-on periods to seven days, members were outside Mears' offices in Darlington. And every week, members pack and collect food parcels — because that's also what members need.
Some people call this Mutual aid or a Suvival Program . We just call it what we do.
Housing Help & Tenant Guidance in Newcastle
Food & Solidarity is one of the most active housing defence community groups in Newcastle. We provide:
- Tenant rights guidance — understanding what your landlord can and cannot do. Renters' Rights Act guide →
- Eviction defence — court accompaniment, monitoring, and direct action to keep members in their homes. Eviction help guide →
- Bailiff resistance — practical training in what bailiffs can and cannot do at your door. Bailiff rights guide →
- Housing disrepair campaigns — collective pressure on landlords and councils who ignore repair reports. Disrepair guide →
- Preparation for landlord or council meetings — no one goes in alone
Volunteer & Take Action with a Community Group in Newcastle
Volunteering with Food & Solidarity means being part of a community group in Newcastle that does more than run events — it builds collective power that changes outcomes for real people.
- Food parcel packing and distribution every week
- Housing casework — supporting members facing eviction or disrepair
- Campaigns for housing rights, rent controls, and child poverty reduction
- Training sessions — Good Neighbours Toolkit, bailiff resistance, direct action
- National campaign work as part of the Homes for Us Alliance
Membership — Sliding Scale
No one is priced out of this community group in Newcastle. Pay what reflects your situation.
Why pay membership fees?
Membership fees are this community group's main source of income. Your contribution funds:
- Essential food parcels for members
- Housing defence and eviction support
- Community organising and direct action campaigns
- Our national campaign work with the Homes for Us Alliance
Become a Member Today
Sign up to receive support, volunteer, or participate in collective action with Newcastle's community group for housing justice and food solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food & Solidarity a community group in Newcastle?
Yes. Food & Solidarity is a democratic, non-profit, member-led community group founded in Newcastle in 2020. We are governed by our members through democratic vote, operate from 120-126 Buckingham St in Newcastle's Inner West End, and have 500 active members across the city. We are not a charity and not a food bank. Read what we are →
How can I get food support in Newcastle?
Join Food & Solidarity as a member. Members receive two food parcels per month. Membership starts at £3/month for unwaged workers. Call 07393 101018 or fill in the form above.
How can I volunteer with a community group in Newcastle?
Join Food & Solidarity and contribute what you can — food parcel packing and distribution, housing casework, eviction defence, community outreach, and campaign work. Volunteer this week →
Does Food & Solidarity provide housing support in Newcastle?
Yes. We provide court accompaniment for eviction cases, bailiff resistance training, housing disrepair campaigns, and collective action to defend members' homes. Members including Grace, Dennis, and Pauline have kept their homes through our community group's collective action. Call 07393 101018 for immediate support.
Who can join this community group in Newcastle?
Anyone in Newcastle can join — whether seeking food support, housing help, or wanting to volunteer. Membership is on a sliding scale from £3/month. Open to everyone regardless of immigration status or housing situation.