The idea for the site started in November 2022, Foodbanks in Sheffield had just returned from covid, were returning to a more normal operation. We had compiled information to give out for further help to our beneficiaries, but it became clear keeping all the hand-outs and information up to date would be a big task.​

So I decided that a single web page with a few links on would be a good idea, or even a PDF file online that we could always update so that the latest version was always there, over the next few months it blossomed into a fully-fledged website with links and downloads available not only to foodbank volunteers, but the public too.​

It was updated in early 2023 to a website that was designed to work with mobiles first, then desktop as our volunteers had mobiles with them but hardly any a laptop/desktop device. And the name was changed to signpostsheffield.co.uk, then to melinks.org. It now works on all screen sizes and is fully responsive.

What is the criteria to be included?
melinks.org signposts to organisations/charities who offer free support and guidance at the point of service
We list non-commercial sites designed to inform, educate, support, encourage and benefit users from all backgrounds
We request transparency regarding the owners and ethos of external sites suggested to us. Ideally sites will be designed to work at least as well on a smartphone as a desktop computer or tablet
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Questions we may ask​
We may ask further questions about your organisation, such as your safeguarding practices, who are your partners and other questions.

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Things to be aware of
We only signpost, we do not carry detailed information about your site, nor do we take any responsibility for the accuracy of information on your site. We will remove links to sites we feel are not suitable.
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We reserve the right to ultimately use our own discretion regarding what we choose to include.