The Lightbox and York Road Project

At the core of our ethos is the #WeGiveACup campaign, where we really do give a cup! As well our fuso tea bags and packaging being environmentally friendly, every time a box of our tea is bought we in turn donate tea directly to homeless shelters.

The Lightbox Art Gallery and Museum in Woking, Surrey has collaborated for the past five years with the York Road Project to deliver a series of creative workshops to clients who have experienced homelessness. Resonating with this cause, it’s a pleasure to have donated Kettle Shed Tea to the art sessions to keep the attendants fuelled, as well as directly to the York Road Project itself in Woking.

The workshops enable the development of artistic talents that may otherwise have gone undiscovered and provide the opportunity to explore art in a variety of mediums. One of the objectives of these sessions is to boost self-esteem and for a sense of accomplishment to be achieved.

The York Road Project was formally founded in 2001 by compassionate individuals from local churches, in response to a lack of shelters in Woking, particularly during the winter months. The project provides emergency and longer-term accommodation for the homeless and welcomes clients from all walks of life over the age of 18, including those who have suffered from the recession. In total the York Road Project accommodation comprises of 29 beds.

The ‘Prop’ in Woking is a day base centre for service users to attend and stands for Possibilities, Resources, Opportunities and Progress. Open from 7.30 am to 4pm, facilities on offer here are:
• Computer access for job/accommodation searches, contacting friends/family and completing housing register forms.
• Support with interviews and CV writing.
• Computer skills training.
• Food Hygiene courses.
• Housing and benefits advice.
• Help with filling forms etc.
• Discussion groups and activities
• Showers and laundry use for those in need.
• Confidential meeting room.