Our Story

Compassion Acts was launched in 2019, bringing together Southport Foodbank and the Southport and Formby Churches Debt Centre to provide broader support beyond emergency food access, helping people leave our services in a better position than when they arrived.

Because every person’s situation is different, we offer tailored, wrap-around care, taking a holistic approach that supports the whole person, not just immediate needs.

Since 2013, we’ve been supporting our community - helping people rebuild their lives, one step at a time.

We operate from our hub at the Victoria Centre, which serves as our headquarters, welfare appointment space, community room, and food distribution warehouse.

Our team includes 11 staff members, 8 trustees, and more than 220 volunteers, whose dedication makes our work possible.

As of 2026, our services are organised around three pillars: food, money, and wellbeing. We support communities from Formby to the West Lancashire villages, including Banks, Tarleton, and Hesketh Bank, with all services provided free to anyone who needs them.

Compassion Acts History

2013: Southport Foodbank and Southport CAP Debt Centre was launched at Lakeside Church.
2016: A new charity was formed, merging both charities. This was called Southport & Formby Churches Debt Centre Ltd.
2017: Our first Food Pantry was opened, beginning the expansion of the charity beyond just emergency food parcels.
2019: The charity rebranded as Compassion Acts to encompass our vision and goal.
2021: We launched our ‘going upstream’ strategy, marking a shift from only supporting those in crisis to actively preventing crises – catching people before they fall.
2022: Compassion Acts head office was moved to the Victoria Centre, Sussex Road. This allows us to continue to expand in every area.
2025: Our new strategy ‘Thriving Lives’ is all about ensuring people have the means to thrive and not just survive. Emphasising the importance of wrap-around support.