The Brick Multibank
The Brick Multibank is operated by the highly regarded Wigan charity, The Brick. It opened in March 2023 and has redistributed 1.2 million items and supported over 120,000 families across the North-West in the past two years.
Poverty in Greater Manchester
Across Greater Manchester alone, an average of 1 in 3 children are living in poverty. The number of foodbanks and other providers supporting people on low incomes to meet basic food needs has doubled in 5 years. Poverty is fundamentally about scarcity, a lack of access to life's basic human needs, which covers anything that we all need to have a decent standard of living.
Our Model
By supplying basic needs, we help people to help themselves. Our model is simple: businesses donate their surplus stocks that people need, and we distribute them to the charities and social care professionals that work directly with people on low incomes, who struggle to cover the costs of everyday essentials. These items range from bedding and cleaning products to clothes and toiletries. All items are distributed free of charge through a growing network of 400 referral partners at the epicentre of their local community. Our partners include schools, social care professionals, charities and community groups who help to distribute 1.2 million items and support over 120,000 families across the North-West in less than two years.
Impact of Our Work
A Social Return on Investment Study of 2024 shows that for every £1 invested, there is a £5.01 return. According to the study:
- ✔️ 43% of recipients said the support helped them avoid a crisis situation.
- ✔️ 86% said it reduced their stress and anxiety.
- ✔️ 81% said it improved their confidence and wellbeing.
- ✔️ 98% increased their financial wellbeing.
- ✔️ 71% improved their outlook on life.
- ✔️73% reported better family relationships.
Become a Distribution Partner
If you are a health or education professional or a community support charity organization and you’d like to be a distribution partner, please contact Hannah: Hannah@thebrick.org.uk.
- Or do you as a business want to donate stock, time or expertise? Contact: tom@thebrick.org.uk
- Address: 65 Water St, Wigan WN1 1DN
- Website: www.thebrick.org.uk
