More than Food
The Loved and Wanted Here Community Programme
Rainham Foodbank Announced as Loved and Wanted Here Community Space
Rainham Foodbank has been named as one of 30 Community Spaces across London supported by the Mayor of London and The National Lottery Community Fund, through the Loved and Wanted Community Fund.
The funding forms part of the Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted Here programme, a London-wide initiative designed to strengthen community relationships, increase belonging, and ensure all Londoners feel valued, welcomed and supported — regardless of background.
As a Community Space supported by the Mayor of London and The National Lottery Community Fund, Rainham Foodbank will deliver activities under the Loved and Wanted Here banner to bring people together, improve access to vital services, and create opportunities for residents to connect and participate in local life.
Rainham Foodbank already provides a wide range of support for the local community, including:
- Emergency food support
- Counselling services for children, young people and adults
- Sewing Sanctuary workshops
- English language classes
- Befriending and community wellbeing initiatives
The Loved and Wanted Here funding will enable the organisation to expand its reach, enhance existing services, and further strengthen its role as a welcoming, inclusive community hub in Rainham.
Speaking about the announcement, Pastor Aloysius Peter, CEO of Rainham Foodbank, said:
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a Loved and Wanted Here Community Space. At Rainham Foodbank, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. This support from the Mayor of London and The National Lottery Community Fund enables us to strengthen community connections, widen access to vital services, and ensure that every person who walks through our doors knows they are truly loved, valued and welcome.”
The Loved and Wanted Here programme builds a network of venue-based community spaces across the capital, including charities, libraries, arts centres, faith groups and community organisations.
Find out more about the programme here: Loved and wanted here
The Loved and Wanted Here Community Programme was officially launched at The Albany, Deptford on 12 February 2026.
Representatives from the majority of the 30 funded Community Spaces were in attendance, alongside Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO, CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, and staff from the Greater London Authority and The National Lottery Community Fund.
The event was a joyful and inspiring celebration of London’s strength, diversity and community spirit. Throughout the event, we were reminded of why partnership working matters and how vital local community spaces are in creating belonging across our city.
For Rainham Foodbank, being present in the room with fellow organisations committed to inclusion and connection was both humbling and affirming. It reinforced our shared mission to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels valued, supported and truly welcome.
