A charity offering a hot meal and a helping hand to people facing hardship is calling out to you for support.

Ealing Soup Kitchen, based at St John’s Church, West Ealing, runs a drop-in service every Friday. This provides showers, haircuts, a hot meal and help with understanding things like benefits, and how to fill in forms. Visitors can also enjoy games, such as bingo and chess, to add a feeling of connection and community to their day.

Its clients are given food parcels to take away each week, and the kitchen’s volunteers also operate a clothing shop. Donated items are thoughtfully arranged, allowing visitors to browse and select warm clothing as if in a shop, to help them through the colder months. Many of those who visit the kitchen are homeless.

Volunteers and donations

With around 150 people attending each week, and demand expected to rise during the colder months, the charity is appealing for volunteers and donations to help continue its vital work.

Angela Doreen is the soup kitchen coordinator and is also one of Ealing Council’s community champions.

She said: “Our volunteers are absolute gems and work incredibly hard, but we are in need of more help and support. We would love for people to be able to donate some of their time, or much-needed items. It would make a real difference to us and the people who come here looking for help.”

The mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, has chosen Ealing Soup Kitchen as his charity to support this year.

Finding peace of mind

Isabel, 24, and her mum Sonia, came to the UK from Venezuela 2 years ago and found help and support at the soup kitchen. When Isabel arrived in the country she spoke no English but this changed after she took part in some of the language courses that the charity also provides at the church.

They no longer need to use the services offered so have chosen to give something back by volunteering.

Gary, 49, found himself homeless after a relationship break-up. The charity has helped him back on his feet and he now rents a small property in the borough and volunteers at the kitchen.

He said: “I want to sleep at night and know I’ve done something good, it helps to give me peace of mind.”

‘More than soup’

Alan is another regular volunteer at the Soup Kitchen. He said: “For me, it’s about more than serving soup. It’s about creating a space where people feel welcome and respected. Everyone deserves that, no matter what they’re going through.

“People come through the door carrying all kinds of burdens, and sometimes a warm meal and a friendly conversation can make a real difference. That’s why I keep coming back.”

Can you help?

Find out more about how to donate, and the items that are needed. Go to the Ealing Soup Kitchen website.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, email Angela: ealingsoupkitchen@outlook.com