Supporting Our Community, Building Resilience and Creating Lasting Change
Open Arms Organisation CIC | Nottingham
Open Arms Organisation CIC is committed to supporting the wider Nottingham community by helping people experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity, unemployment, social isolation and other challenges that affect their wellbeing.
Through our work connected with the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), we aim to strengthen our emergency food support and develop a more holistic, sustainable approach that helps individuals and families address immediate crises while building greater financial stability and resilience for the future.
Our approach is centred on dignity, inclusion, community connection and practical support. We believe that people should not only receive help during difficult times but also have opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to move forward.
Who We Support
Our community programmes are designed to support Nottingham residents experiencing or at risk of financial hardship and other challenges, including:
- Individuals and families experiencing food poverty or financial difficulties.
- People who need help navigating benefits, unemployment or household energy costs.
- Asylum seekers and newly arrived community members who need appropriate support and signposting.
- Older adults and young people who may experience isolation or barriers to participation.
- People who would benefit from employment guidance, budgeting support, wellbeing activities and stronger community connections.
Eligibility for specific services will depend on the activity, available resources and the relevant funding requirements.
How We Help
1. Emergency Food and Crisis Support
Alongside emergency food provision, we support residents experiencing wider crises, including unemployment, benefit-related difficulties, food poverty and gas and electricity challenges. Where appropriate, we help people identify relevant services and access further assistance.
2. Employment and Financial Resilience
We are developing opportunities for one-to-one employment consultations, including support during food parcel sessions and through our office.
Our planned wraparound support will also include longer-term financial stability planning, helping people explore employment opportunities, improve budgeting skills and identify practical ways to address recurring financial difficulties.
3. Health, Wellbeing and Community Connection
We recognise that financial hardship can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing and social relationships. Our community activities aim to reduce isolation and create supportive spaces where people can connect, learn and participate.
Planned activities include stress-management workshops, peer-support opportunities and wellbeing sessions for older and younger adults, building on our existing community cohesion work.
4. Developing Skills and Opportunities
As the project develops, we aim to establish a small training academy to help participants access relevant qualifications, develop practical skills and explore routes towards employment and greater independence.
We also plan to strengthen partnerships and referral networks so that residents can be connected to appropriate support beyond our own services.
Our Three-Year Development Plan
Year 1: 2026/27 — Strengthening Immediate and Holistic Support
We will continue providing free food parcels while expanding our wider crisis support. We aim to introduce one-to-one employment consultations, longer-term financial planning and additional wellbeing activities for older and younger adults.
Working Together for a Stronger Community
At Open Arms Organisation CIC, we believe that lasting resilience is built through more than emergency assistance alone. By combining immediate food support with employment guidance, financial resilience, wellbeing activities and community connections, we aim to help people navigate difficult circumstances and build a more secure future.
We welcome opportunities to work with local organisations, community groups, referral partners and other services that share our commitment to reducing hardship and strengthening communities across Nottingham.
Need Support or Want to Work With Us?
If you would like to find out more about our community activities, available support or partnership opportunities, please contact us.
Email: info@openarmsorganisation.co.uk
Website: https://openarmsorganisation.co.uk
Open Arms Organisation CIC — Community First.
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