PROJECT40SEVEN · LEISTON & EAST SUFFOLK COASTAL
What we do
Practical help when life is difficult. Opportunities to connect, create and contribute.
Project40Seven is a regional community resilience organisation run by Creative Leiston C.I.C. From our base at 47 High Street in Leiston, we bring together food support, shared resources, community growing and activities for people across East Suffolk Coastal.
You might come to us because the household budget is stretched, because you need emergency food, or simply because you want company or something worthwhile to get involved in. The projects below explain the different ways we can help—and how you can take part.
Food and everyday essentials
Regular affordable shopping and emergency food support serve different needs. If you are unsure which is right for your situation, talk to our team.
The Leiston Pantry
Our subsidised pantry helps members make their food budget go further. A shop costs £5 for 11 items, offering practical help with the cost of everyday essentials.
The Pantry is the route for ongoing weekly shopping support. If you cannot afford a shop and need emergency food, speak to us about the Food Bank instead.
Leiston United Food Bank
Emergency food support for households in IP12, IP13, IP15, IP16 and IP17 who are struggling to put food on the table. The Food Bank operates at Leiston United Church.
Support is limited to one visit per week and is intended for emergencies. Food is for your household’s use and must not be resold. For regular shopping support, we will direct you towards the Pantry.
Uniform Exchange
Children grow quickly; useful school clothing can still have plenty of life left in it. Our Uniform Exchange helps that clothing find another home, easing pressure on family budgets and reducing waste.
Contact the team to ask what sizes and items are currently available, or to discuss school clothing you would like to pass on.
Library of Things
Some useful items are needed only occasionally. Our Library of Things gives people a way to access shared resources without every household having to buy and store its own.
Availability depends on the items we hold. Talk to us about what you need and we can explain the current options and arrangements.
Refill Leiston
Everyday refills. Less packaging.
Shop for household cleaning products, toiletries, dried foods and treats while reusing your own containers. Our zero waste shop brings practical choices about waste into everyday shopping at Project40Seven.
Company, creativity and participation
Taking part matters in its own right. You do not need to be seeking food support to be interested in our activities, growing projects or volunteering.
Warm Welcome
A place for company and connection, where spending time with other people is part of the support we offer. Warm Welcome helps people keep in touch with their community and feel less isolated.
If you would like to join us, get in touch to check the current sessions and where they are taking place.
Crafted and creative activities
Making and creativity are part of everyday life at P47. Crafted and our creative activities give people opportunities to take part, share interests and enjoy doing something together.
Our Craft Camps and community events also offer activities for children and families. Check the events page for what is coming up and any booking details.
The Leiston Land Army
Our community allotment grows food for the community while giving people opportunities to get outdoors and take part in growing. It connects practical food production with learning, shared effort and care for the environment.
The site includes a polytunnel and raised beds. Contact us if you are interested in helping, learning about the project or discussing what would make participation accessible for you.
Volunteering and work experience
Our volunteers help keep services running, support activities and contribute practical skills. Work experience offers another way to learn and contribute through the work we do.
Tell us what interests you, the time you can offer and any support you would need. We can discuss suitable opportunities and the next steps with you.
Events that bring people together
From creative family activities to The Magic of Christmas, our events combine opportunities to enjoy ourselves with practical community support. Each event has its own arrangements, so check the details for dates, venues, costs and bookings.
Friday 30 October · 11am–3pm
Halloween Craft Camp
Free pumpkin carving, ghost, gourd and ghoul crafts, Screaming Scratch Art and more. Leiston United Church and Church Square.
Bookings: 22 October–4 December
Christmas dinner packs
£10 per pack, one per household. Book and pay in person at P47. Collect at Leiston United Church Hall, 17–19 December, 12–3pm.
Saturday 28 November · 12–3pm
Free Christmas Craft Camp
A free festive craft session for families at Leiston United Church Hall.
Thursday 10 December · 4–7pm
Christmas Tree Festival
Decorated trees, carols and refreshments at Leiston United Church. Co-hosted with the church.
Help share the magic this Christmas
Secret Santa
Brand-new toys and gifts for local families. Maximum gift value £15; smaller gifts and stocking fillers are welcome.
Giving toys another Christmas
Father Christmas’s Toy Workshop
Donations of good-quality, clean preloved toys are welcome. Speak to the team about suitable items.
21 & 22 December · 12–4pm
Santa’s Grotto
Visit Santa at Project40Seven, 47 High Street, Leiston. £5 per child; booking only. Contact the team for arrangements.
Not sure where to start?
Speak to us at 47 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4EL, or email info@project40seven.co.uk. Opening times and locations vary by service, so please check before travelling.
