1538
About 1538
1538 is a community-focused, non-profit organisation based in Derbyshire, working to build bridges that connect the fringes of the community to its centre. Their mission is to support people facing hardship, strengthen community cohesion, and ensure that individuals and families can access practical help alongside wider wellbeing support.
1538 delivers a range of community services including a community pantry (part of a network of pantries), foodbank, community café, outreach for people experiencing homelessness, and access to debt and benefits advice, counselling, rehabilitation support and other wellbeing services. Through these initiatives, they provide practical support while helping people build greater stability and connection within their communities.
Our impact together
Since joining our charitable network in 2023, 1538 has unlocked £712,000 in savings by accessing products through In Kind Direct, enabling them to redirect valuable funds towards supporting more people across Derbyshire and Nottingham.
They regularly access a wide range of products, including hygiene essentials, pallets of household cleaning products, personal care items and other everyday essentials, which are distributed through their community pantry and foodbank initiatives.
Our shared impact
2023
joined our network
£712,000
in savings
£810,000
worth of products distributed
How 1538 use products for social good
1538 currently supports around 3,500 registered individuals across Derbyshire and Nottingham through its community pantry, foodbank and wider community programmes. Many people are referred by child support services, community nursing teams and other local support organisations, ensuring products reach individuals and families that need them most.
Alongside access to pantry products, 1538 offers a wider package of support including one-to-one debt and benefits advice, counselling, rehabilitation signposting, and opportunities for social connection through its community café. Over the past year, the café has provided free meals, drinks, emotional support and a welcoming space designed to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. The organisation also carries out outreach work in Derby city centre, supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Through their pantries, products accessed through In Kind Direct are offered as part of mixed bundles using an accessible points-based system, ensuring individuals receive a variety of essential items while maintaining dignity and choice. Where people are able, they are invited to make a small contribution towards these bundles, but anyone who cannot will receive support free of charge. By taking a compassionate, relationship-based approach rather than relying on formal means testing, 1538 ensures that support reaches those who need it most while removing barriers that might otherwise prevent people from seeking help.
“Craig is currently battling addiction and facing some very difficult challenges, and he spoke openly about how tough things have been. He is incredibly grateful for the support of the community pantry, which has helped him access vital essentials during a time when he’s struggling to cope. More than that, he really values the care and guidance he’s receiving, as the team are now working alongside him to signpost him to the right organisations. With their support, Craig is beginning to see a pathway forward and is taking those important first steps towards addressing the serious battles he’s facing.”
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