The inspiring volunteers of Keeping It Real 24/7 making a difference in Moss Side

In Moss Side, there’s a group of wonderful group of people showcasing the area’s kindness and compassion. The group is known as Keeping It Real 24/7.

Founded by the indomitable Wendy Simms, she works alongside Director Chantelle, operating a much-needed food bank and community hub.

It has become a lifeline for countless individuals and families during challenging times.

Keeping it Real 24/7

When asked to explain what Keeping It Real does on a day-to-day basis, she responded: “It might be quicker to tell you what we don’t do to save time!”

They are an incredible community organisation that covers as large a distance from Wythenshawe, all the way up to Oldham, and everywhere in between.

They cook and provide food to people who need it all in the name of community spirit and love for their area.

Chantelle said: “For us, it’s a nice thing to be able to give back to the community you grew up in.

“Meeting new people, having these great conversations, you can’t beat it. It’s priceless.

“There’s a wonderful sense of community in the area if you look hard enough.

“I think people have their ideas about Moss Side but it’s a great place, everyone looks out for each other, especially with Auntie Wendy Around!”

Rise in Foodbank demand post pandemic

Chantelle said she had noticed a skyrocketing demand for their help and services post-pandemic, and things are continuing to get worse.

“Everyone is feeling the strain without doubt, even the supermarkets and other organisations that help out are feeling the pinch.

“There’s a real shortage for not just the community, but also for food banks. It’s a knock-on effect for everyone.”

Chantelle said that people weren’t always after something to eat either and that people were equally as appreciative for a bit of company, as people have been suffering with isolation post Covid.

Keeping it Real provides hot meals, a lot of time for the elderly, training courses for people looking to get into work, and also chef’s food hygiene ratings.

She added: “Because of the diversity of Moss Side, it’s important we learn about each other’s cultures and the food they eat.

“We put on awareness days, mainly around health, working with the NHS. Also women’s support days, Macmillan Cancer Support coffee mornings, and days out for kids.

“We’re a very proud community in Moss Side and I think some people are afraid to ask for help. They shouldn’t be, we’re here for everyone, and everyone needs a leg up now and again.”

A ‘giant’ in the Moss Side community

We spoke to Wendy, described as a ‘giant’ character in Moss Side community

She said: “We decided to set up Keeping it Real 24/7 in 2019.

“When the pandemic started, we noticed a lot of people were isolated.

“I think we first started it off because one of our friends was found dead, completely isolated on their own.

“There were a lot of tragic things happening in the community, so we used the food bank to help people.

“People were struggling to get their cultural food, so we were going door to door knocking to try and find it.

“Stuff like yams and sweet potato, whatever it might be – but people just didn’t seem to have any.”

Wendy realised that food was just the tip of the iceberg and that the community needed help in a lot of different areas.

More than a food bank

“The next area we moved into was people’s health, There are a lot of health issues in Moss Side specific to our communities, so we could give people information when they came to the food bank and help them to take care of themselves.

Wendy said that Moss Side is a proud community, and stemming from that, some people might be afraid to ask for help.

She continued: “I think because people know we’ve been part of the community for years, for me it’s coming up to 40 years now, they trust us and that’s allowed us to build some bridges.

“Now we do a discreet delivery service too,  for people who need help but don’t want people to know, so I think we’ve got everyone who needs help covered now.”

Wendy added that one of her proudest moments working with Keeping it Real 24/7 was that people who had used their services have become volunteers themselves.

She continued: “We provide training and also prepare hot meals, and that’s great because our community has some exceptional chefs, especially among the men.

“To elevate their skills, we start by helping them obtain hygiene certificates. We aim to motivate them in this regard.

“We have talented cooks available to assist us when needed, not only for the food bank but also to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.

“Whether they cook from their homes or elsewhere, it’s always great to have good cooks around”

Team Bash – Moss Side

Wendy is a well-known figure in Moss Side, having worked in her community for forty years now.

She used to run an organisation called Team Bash working with youth during difficult times in Moss Side, when gun culture was running riot.

“I don’t like to speak about that very much, but that’s where it was at the time.

“It was a tragic time but it happened. Now were more proactive to try and help the youths in our community to get jobs and find activities to keep them busy as much as they can. We want to find things they are interested in.

“Listen, I’m a Moss Side girl forever, you know what I mean? No matter what anybody else has to say.

“The Council seem to change the boundaries every time something good happens here, you know, they will say no It’s Whalley Range or Chorlton, so the boundaries are often shifting.

“But you can be sure once something bad happens here, they will say it’s in Moss Side. We know what we are and what we’re about, and times have changed in the area.”

Keeping it Real 24/7 X Moss Side Powerhouse

Wendy’s collaboration with Lisa at the Moss Side Millenium Powerhouse saw the feel good movement spread out across the area, giving them a bigger place to work from.

This journey laid the foundation for what would become centre of community support in Moss Side.

Currently, Keeping It Real works closely with Lisa to explore ways to support their food bank initiatives.

Lisa told I Love Manchester that at The Powerhouse, there are over NINETY different languages spoken.

Navigating this diversity may seem challenging, but Wendy, having lived in the community for decades, knows that it’s about the love and bonds they share.

She said: “In Moss Side, love transcends language barriers and in an unusual way, it brings people together.”

Health Champion Program

They are also actively engaged with the local care group, where they seek health champions to address various community issues.

Wendy proudly embraces her role as a part of the Health Champion program, emphasising the significance of sharing knowledge and training within the community.

This collaborative approach, she believes, is the key to overcoming challenges and creating an environment of support and empowerment.

One of the pressing challenges in Moss Side is the prevalence of health issues like diabetes and bowel cancer, which affect both men and women.

Recognising the role of dietary factors, the food bank emerges as a crucial pillar in the community’s fight against these health concerns.

The Faith Network Group

Keeping it Real 24/7 has even won royal approval, after a remarkable day at Buckingham Palace.

Wendy had been invited to a prestigious event at Buckingham Palace to mark the Coronation of King Charles III in recognition of her work with Moss Side-based food bank ‘Keeping it real 24/7’.

She went with her son, hoping to get a nice photo with the Prince, but she ended up getting much more than she bargained for!

After a chat, the Prince of Wales pledged to visit the area after Wendy offered an invite to ‘the Rastafarian HQ’.

Prince William’s genuine interest in Moss Side and poverty issues has left a huge mark, raising hopes for his visit to Manchester in the future.

Acquiring a food van

A recent development that has added to the organisation’s momentum is the acquisition of a food van.

This mobile unit not only facilitates food delivery but also extends assistance to the elderly, equipped with features like wheelchair access. It’s a testament to the recognition and support Keeping It Real receives for its tireless work.

Wendy, in a heartfelt expression of gratitude, acknowledges the dedicated volunteers who form the backbone of their operations.

Their selfless contributions and collective efforts are the driving force behind Keeping It Real’s impact in the community.

Moss Side’s community spirit is alive and thriving through the relentless efforts of Keeping It Real 24/7.

Wendy, Chantelle and their dedicated volunteers continue to work tirelessly towards building a better and stronger Moss Side where love, unity, and community spirit reign supreme.

Find out more about Keeping It Real 24/7

You can find out more about Keeping It Real 24/7 by clicking here