When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, communities across the UK faced challenges like never before.

In Beaumont Leys, Leicester, The Cooke E-Learning Foundation, known as E2, became a lifeline, providing crucial support to hundreds of families.

Amid lockdowns and uncertainty, E2 adapted rapidly, setting up an emergency food redistribution centre and running a telephone support service to reach those isolated and in need. But as the crisis shifted, so did E2’s vision. What began as a response to a global emergency evolved into a movement to empower, uplift, and equip the community for a more resilient future.

At the height of the pandemic, E2 delivered over 600 food parcels each week to families across Leicester, a monumental effort supported by FareShare Midlands and a dedicated team of volunteers and drivers.

“The support we received was incredible. Without the tireless efforts of FareShare and our community, we wouldn’t have been able to make such an impact. Those times proved to us just how strong we are when we come together.”

Building Resilient Communities: Focusing on Long-Term Empowerment

Following the pandemic, E2 launched the Building Resilient Communities project, channelling lessons learned into programmes that empower individuals to achieve greater self-reliance through four key areas: food security, financial literacy, mental health, and digital skills.

E2 partner with We Are Digital, Digital Life and Community Enterprise Engine, to offer workshops focussing on budgeting skills, personal finance, and basic digital skills.

As well as this, E2’s offers an Alternative Education Programme, and run Youth Engagement Sessions to provide support, training opportunities and a safe place for disadvantaged young people to build confidence and skills.

Weekly Food Bank and Food Pantry

Every Thursday, E2’s Food Bank remains a cornerstone of support, providing free food parcels to families facing hardship. The Food Bank now serves as the starting point in a broader journey toward self-sufficiency, with participants introduced to workshops on budgeting and financial management to help them regain control over their finances.

In addition, E2’s Food Pantry, open every Friday, offers affordable, accessible groceries to empower individuals toward personal food sustainability and long-term food security. This stepping-stone model helps people transition from crisis support to self-reliance.

Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Through their work during the pandemic, supporting mental health has become a crucial component of E2’s services. In collaboration with Every Mind Solutions, E2 now provides mental health support sessions for individuals struggling with the residual effects of the crisis or new personal challenges. Offered in both group and one-on-one sessions, E2 aims to ensure individuals within their community have a safe, supportive space to work through difficulties, build resilience, and find stability.

“The work we’re doing here at E2 is about building a foundation for the future,” Martin shares. “Covid-19 taught us the importance of resilience, and now, our mission is to pass that resilience onto our community members. We want to empower them, to help them build the skills and confidence to navigate any challenge that may come.”

Looking Forward: A Community Ready for the Future

Today, E2 continues to grow, reaching more people in Beaumont Leys and beyond. With their ongoing projects and expanded educational and youth programmes, E2 is ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive. Their journey from crisis to empowerment is a testament to the strength of communities, and a reminder that together, we can turn adversity into opportunity.

Find out more about E2 and the incredible work they do to support their community.