Ashton Community Trust Community Fridge opened in August 2022, serving the New Lodge Area of North Belfast and surrounding areas. Many visitors to the Community Fridge at Ashton Centre avail of the other services Ashton offers, including Training & Employment Support, Family Support Services, Health & Wellbeing support, as well as, social and community inclusion events and activities. Ashton Centre also hosts a local organisation to provide benefits advice weekly.   As part of the Community Fridge we have a tea and coffee station where community fridge visitors and other Ashton clients can take a seat and get a cuppa while accessing the services on offer.  Ashton staff are on hand to offer guidance and advice to individuals wanting community support. 

At the Community Fridge, visitors can access a range of fresh and ambient food items, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, plant-based food, and dairy products.  A selection of tinned items, bread, confectionery and some personal care items are also available.  

The success of the Community Fridge in the last two years has been attributed to the partnership Ashton Centre has built up with the local Lidl stores, especially the Crumlin Road Branch, Belfast and the Branch situated at High Street, Belfast.   Without these donations of fresh fruit and vegetables, the Community Fridge would struggle to provide these fresh food items.  

The Community Fridge has a core team of staff and volunteers who help weekly to support the work and without them, the community Fridge would struggle to operate.