GROWING Links, a grassroots organisation dedicated to alleviating food poverty and building a resilient, sustainable food system, has announced the launch of its latest Crowdfunder campaign.

Now live on Crowdfunder UK the campaign is already at 60% of its £20,000 goal. The funds raised will support Growing Links' move to the new Safe & Well Hub in Penzance and cover running costs for Growing Links Street Food Project until Christmas.

SFP provides hot meals every evening to individuals experiencing homelessness or living in food poverty. Aviva Community Fund will match donations up to £250, and Cornwall Council’s Climate and Nature Fund will contribute an additional £5k if the target is reached. The organisation is calling on the community to get involved and help meet their goal.

Growing Links also acknowledges Penzance Town Council for their generous £8,300 grant, which has funded an electric kitchen at the Safe & Well hub. The move enables Growing Links to work more closely with Cornwall Council services, expanding their reach and enhancing support to those in need. Most importantly, it offers the Street Food Project attendees a warm, dry space to enjoy their meals with comfort and dignity.

In conjunction with the crowdfunding effort Growing Links is collaborating with local artist and volunteer Michael Knight. His exhibition, “It’s OK Not to Be OK,” focuses on mental health and will support Growing Links’ initiatives, fostering crucial conversations around mental health.

Knight’s exhibition centres on mental health, a theme close to Knight’s heart. His evocative works aim to foster conversations about mental health and highlight the importance of community support. Proceeds from the exhibition will go towards Growing Links' ongoing initiatives.

Beyond immediate food relief, Growing Links focuses on long-term resilience through community garden projects, educational workshops, and empowering individuals to grow their own food. These initiatives nourish both bodies and minds, cultivating skills, confidence, and connections, while benefiting the health of the community and the planet.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Aviva Community Fund, which will double the impact of every pound donated,” said Lynne Dyer, managing director of Growing Links. “Our partnership with Cornwall Council, the grant from Penzance Town Council, and Michael Knight’s exhibition are tremendous opportunities to further our mission of building a more resilient, connected, and compassionate community.”

Michael Knight, who also runs the men’s volunteering sessions at Growing Links' community garden, shared his thoughts on the exhibition: “This exhibition is about breaking the silence around mental health. Working with Growing Links has shown me how important it is to have spaces where people can connect and support each other. I hope this exhibition raises both funds and awareness of the mental health challenges our community faces.”

Growing Links is also unveiling its new branding and marketing campaign, launched alongside the Crowdfunder. This fresh new look and strategic marketing approach were developed in collaboration with Graphic Design BA students from Falmouth University. The rebrand aims to better communicate Growing Links' mission, strengthen its presence within the community, and enhance its engagement with supporters.

Growing Links invites the public to support the Crowdfunder campaign, attend the exhibition, and help continue making a profound difference in the community. Together, they can keep strengthening the links that bind the community in solidarity and support.

For more information, visit the crowdfunder www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pgrowing-links or the Growing Links website at www.growinglinks.org.uk