| Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:01:13 GMTwww.bbc.com
North Shields social hub helps care-experienced people gain skills
Working at pantry 'helps me communicate better'
Rachel Fairless was referred to the scheme by the council's care leavers team
A care-experienced woman says volunteering at a new social supermarket has helped her develop her communication skills.
Rachel Fairless is part of a team running the new pantry at the Riverside Family Hub in North Shields, helping families who are struggling with the cost of living and rocketing food costs.
North Tyneside Council said the pantry, which opens once a week, offers a bag of store-cupboard, frozen and fresh goods for £10.
Miss Fairless said the work had "inspired her to cook" from scratch and she now wanted to pursue a culinary career.