The High Peak community group going from strength to strength

The Hummingbird Project was set up in 2018, initially based in Buxton, to send much-needed clothing and supplies to refugees. But since then, it has evolved massively.

It's now based in Padfield and helps out local people in need as well, by collecting what's needed and distributing it to families. 

One of the things they do is a school uniform exchange – with the next one coming up at The Bureau on Henry Street in Glossop on Saturday 19 February from 1pm until 4pm. 

To avoid overcrowding, it's a ticketed event. To get a free ticket, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/268034527487. 

Parents attending are being encouraged to bring their children's outgrown uniform and swap it for the next size up - this includes primary and secondary school uniform with and without logos, school shoes, PE pumps and coats. 

Jo Gregory, founder of The Hummingbird Project, told the Chronicle: "We originally set up Hummingbirds in Buxton in 2018 so the people of High Peak could donate to help refugees. But over the years it’s changed so much. Now it’s run from my house in Padfield. People donate anything and everything.

"We store it in my cellar and a lovely group of volunteers come and help sort it into categories, ages and sizes. It’s then ready for collection or distribution.

"We started getting asked for school uniforms last summer and we’ve organised three uniform swaps since then. We’ve gifted six and a half thousand uniform items. We’re now looking forward to our next one.” 

Some of the school uniform items available at the last school uniform pop-up event  

Jo added: "We also co-ordinate Christmas events and birthday events. Community groups reach out to us if they know of a child who isn’t going to receive a Christmas or Birthday gift.

"We do tech appeals for children so they can do their homework. We also work a lot with Glossopdale Furniture Project to help women and children escaping from domestic abuse." 

The Hummingbird Project is on the lookout for premises to run from. 

Jo said: “We are currently looking for premises at the moment because my husband wants his house back! We’re looking for something fairly central in Glossop and it will have to be quite large as we’ve a lot of donations to sort and store. The idea is to use it as a free shop where people can get everything they need in one place.

"We’re lucky enough to have been awarded a £10,000 National Lottery grant which we’re going to use to rent the perfect space for Hummingbird Hub." 

If you have any large premises to let, please contact Jo at https://www.facebook.com/groups/hummingbirdhubs or email hummingbirdhubs@gmail.com

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