Acts of Kindness is a charity founded on Christian principles, rooted in a commitment to serve those in need with compassion, dignity and respect. While not every member of the volunteer team is a Christian, all are united by a shared set of values centred around kindness, community, and service.

The charity works closely with local churches and collaborates extensively with the wider community, including businesses, supermarkets, and members of the public, all who generously support Acts of Kindness through donations of food, financial resources, and time. The charity also works in partnership with other local organisations, including agencies that provide referrals to the Foodbank via a voucher system, and to additional support services such as the CAP Debt Centre and Wellbeing and Financial Inclusion Programmes.

Acts of Kindness was founded in 2006 by Rev. Robin Baker, with a vision to support individuals and families who are experiencing poverty, vulnerability, homelessness, or the risk thereof. Early initiatives included a feeding programme, clothing and household support through vouchers distributed via The Oasis charity shop, and a Christmas toy distribution project. Over the years, these efforts have expanded significantly in both scale and scope.

A major turning point occurred in 2013, following significant changes to the national benefits system. In response to a sharp rise in local need — with food parcel distribution increasing by 276% overnight — the charity appointed new trustees and took steps to scale its operations. That same year, Acts of Kindness became an official partner of the Trussell Trust network, operating as a registered Foodbank. Oaklands International generously provided warehouse space, enabling greater capacity for food storage and distribution.

As the demand for food support continued to rise, the charity necessarily shifted its focus to prioritise food provision, while still maintaining its Christmas toy project and collaborating on local community initiatives through a partnership with REACH. Initially operating out of church premises, including Oasis Christian Centre, St Stephen’s Church, and Matchborough Christ Church, the charity recognised the growing need for dedicated leadership to manage the increasing complexity and scale of its operations.

This led to the appointment of the charity’s first part-time manager, followed by two additional part-time managers, and, in 2019, the recruitment of a full-time manager. These strategic appointments reflected not only the growing demand but also the need for sustainable, professional oversight to ensure effective service delivery. Shortly thereafter, the charity moved into its current dedicated premises at No. 24, providing an operational base better suited to its expanding activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges and a significant surge in demand for food support. In response, Acts of Kindness scaled up its operations, supported by increased donations, grants, and community funding. While some projects were paused during this period, the toy project continued, and as restrictions eased, additional support services resumed, including assistance with fuel vouchers, charity shop vouchers, and essential household items. A part-time staff member was also appointed to support wellbeing and financial inclusion work, further extending the charity’s reach to include provision of white goods, carpets, and other household necessities.

Throughout this time, Acts of Kindness became the primary Foodbank provider in Redditch, playing a critical role in supporting vulnerable individuals and families during a period of national crisis.

In the year 2024–2025, Redditch Foodbank, operated by Acts of Kindness, distributed 3,128 emergency food parcels to local people in crisis. Of these, 1,123 (36%) were provided to children and 2,005 (64%) to adults. The Foodbank supported 802 unique referrals and provided essential support to a total of 1,438 households, underscoring the ongoing levels of food insecurity within the community.

Today, Acts of Kindness partners with over 100 local referral agencies. In addition to emergency food provision, the charity facilitates access to a wide range of services including household items, wellbeing connect groups, and one-to-one wellbeing support. In collaboration with The Project, Acts of Kindness now also offers accredited welfare and benefits advice, further enhancing its holistic support for those in need.

The charity continues to grow in response to the evolving needs of the Redditch community. While it remains independent of any political affiliation, Acts of Kindness is predominantly funded by grants and generous donations. Its mission remains clear: to provide practical, compassionate support to those facing hardship — and to be a visible, active presence for good in the heart of the community.