Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship
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| Founded | 2008 (as MATCH), 2010 (as PATCH) |
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| Founder | Tracy Olin |
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Area served
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Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom |
| Product | Basic food, clothing and household items, |
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Volunteers
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40+ |
| Slogan | A charitable organisation aiming to relieve the effects of poverty for individuals and families in the county of Pembrokeshire |
| Website | www.PATCHCharity.org.uk |
Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH), formerly Milford Action To Combat Hardship (MATCH), is a British non-profit Christian faith based charitable organisation, founded in June 2008, that aims to help people who are in a financial crisis. They are based in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and have other 'bases' in [[Pembroke Dock)) ((saundersfoot)) and Haverfordwest.
It is based on a similar charity in Southampton, SCRATCH.
PATCH's main aim is to provide short term relief to people who find themselves in a financial crisis, regardless of circumstances. They work on a referral only bases, so only people who are genuinely in need can access their services.
As the name suggests, they currently only operate in the Pembrokeshire area. Although future expansion can not be ruled out based on their past (i.e. Going from just Milford Haven to Pembrokshire as a whole).
PATCH was first started as a 'basics bank' providing non-perishable food along with clothing and household items. The basics bank works on a referral only basis from outside agencies which give vouchers valid for use in the various PATCH basics banks. There are currently three basics banks in Pembrokeshire in Milford Haven, Monkton and Haverfordwest. However, food parcels are held in churches and other locations around the county in order to enable access to the services for those without transport.
In order to allow people access to the service they offer that may not have the ability to cook or heat food given to them through the basics bank. PATCH offers a voucher scheme whereby people can donate money via PATCH to people who will be given vouchers to be used in local cafes and other food outlets. These will then be redeemed by the outlet, through PATCH, for the full cash price.
A PATCH toy appeal has happened annually since 2010, whereby toys and other presents are donated to PATCH who then distribute them to families with children who are referred via outside agencies. The presents are then delivered, during school times, so the children are unaware. In 2013 over 500 children, in over 180 families were given 4-5 'good quality' gifts for each child.
In April 2014 PATCH launched a food co-op, buying fresh food and selling it at cost price to the public. Unlike its other services, this is not on a referral-only basis and is open to the public to use.
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