Community organisations, schools and partners came together on 20th March to celebrate the third anniversary of The Brick’s Multibank, marking three years of vital support for families experiencing hardship across Wigan and the wider Northwest region.
Since launching in 2023, The Northwest Multibank has distributed more than 3.3 million essential items, supporting around 171,000 individuals, over 420,000 families, and more than 400,000 children and young people through a network of schools, charities and frontline services.
Run by Wigan-based homelessness and poverty charity The Brick, the Multibank redistributes surplus goods donated by businesses, including bedding, toiletries, cleaning products, baby items and household essentials, to people who need them most through trusted community organisations.
The initiative has become a vital lifeline for communities facing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, helping thousands of families access everyday essentials that many would otherwise struggle to afford.
Organisations across the region say the Multibank has made a profound difference to the families they support.
Staff at St John’s Catholic Primary School described the impact as “invaluable”.
“The Brick means we can better support our families in need. The number of items we have provided our families with is unreal. We have helped furnish houses for parents escaping abuse, supported very young mums who are struggling and made sure some of our children have had actual birthday gifts.”
Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick, said: “Over the past three years we have seen first-hand the difference that access to essential items can make to families facing incredibly difficult circumstances. The Multibank helps restore dignity, relieve financial pressure and ensure people have the basics they need to move forward.
“What makes the model so powerful is the collaboration between businesses, charities and frontline organisations who know their communities best. Together we are ensuring that high-quality goods reach the people who need them most, rather than going to waste.”
The initiative was first established in 2021 by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown with principal partner Amazon, creating a model that connects surplus goods from major businesses with the charities and community organisations best placed to reach people in crisis.
Eugenie Teasley, Head of Impact at Amazon said: “Congratulations to all the team at The Brick by Brick Multibank as they mark three years of doing absolutely brilliant work supporting families across Wigan and Greater Manchester.
“It’s been a real privilege for Amazon to work alongside The Brick as principal partner of The Multibank in the Northwest, the dedication, professionalism and care shown by everyone involved with The Brick is constantly inspiring. Together, we’re focused on something that really matters, ensuring surplus items from Amazon and other businesses reach the families who need them most.”
The Wigan Council Homeless Solutions Team also highlighted the importance of the service. “This service is invaluable in the Wigan borough, and we are so lucky to have it as a resource. It provides that instant support that makes a difference to people’s lives. We would be lost without it.”
The Brick’s Multibank is part of a growing national network designed to tackle poverty while reducing waste. There are now six Multibanks across the UK, including The Big House Multibank in Scotland, The Northwest Multibank in Greater Manchester run by The Brick, Cwtch Mawr in Swansea run by Faith in Families, Felix’s Multibank in London run by The Felix Project, The Junction Multibank in Middlesbrough run by The Junction, and The West Midlands Multibank run by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council.
Together, Multibanks have distributed more than 14 million products through over two million orders to families in need.
