End Homelessness charities join together

Monies donated by the public have been used by volunteer organisation Soul Kitchen to help them to continue their work to provide food and support people experiencing loneliness, food poverty or homelessness in Chester.

"Since I have been coming to Soul In A Bowl I got my spark back to get me back into the kitchen which then led to me going back to college to study after 10+ years. If it wasn't for the support from the people at Soul Kitchen's Soul in a Bowl I don't know where I would be right now." Kyle.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cheshire West and Chester Council Deputy Chair and Leader’s Champion for the One City Plan said:

“This is just one example of how money donated through the End Homelessness Scheme, payment terminals is supporting Chester people in crisis.

“Donations made at the End Homelessness Scheme payment terminal by the Lego exhibition in Chester Market has been collecting donations on behalf of Chester charities: The Bluecoat Charity, Share, Chester Aid to the Homeless and Soul Kitchen.

“In addition to the market terminal there is a portable terminal at this year’s Christmas Market (in the bar area) plus a terminal in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre. The charities joined forces, supported by the Council to create an easy digital donation option.

“As each charity received grants this month from donations, their stories show how every penny donated is helping vulnerable and homeless people. If you can spare a few pounds please tap one of the terminals to help our local charities continue their vital work.”

Monies donated by the public have been used by volunteer organisation Soul Kitchen to help them to continue their work to provide food and support people experiencing loneliness, food poverty or homelessness in Chester, and through their Soul in a Bowl cookery project, to empower people like Kyle to move away from life on the streets.

Soul Kitchen’s Soul in a Bowl project provides cookery sessions for those who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or who have recently moved into permanent accommodation and who are struggling to adapt to independent living, and who lack the self -confidence and the skills to move into employment.

The project encourages attendees to actively participate in planning, creating menu choices, as well as preparing and cooking nutritious budget friendly meals. Teamwork, responsibility and reliability are also encouraged.

Helen Anthony from Soul in a Bowl said:

“The Soul in a Bowl team build relationships with attendees through conversation, understanding and respect. This leads to a better understanding of each individual and how support can best be directed to move people forward positively.

“For those that are ready and have expressed an interest in taking their Level 2 Food Hygiene for Catering certificates they are encouraged and supported to do so. Likewise, those that are ready to move forward into employment or further education are encouraged and supported to do so. Soul in a Bowl has seen eight people through their Level 2 Food Hygiene for Catering courses and have two attendees into catering college.”

Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH) have supported people in crisis in Chester since their inception more than 50 years ago.

Part of the grant received by them was used to support another Soul in a Bowl graduate who enrolled at college with all the practical aspects of his course requirements, travel, uniform and the necessary equipment. The whole process of going through the application and interviews for the course and being accepted has helped him regain his confidence.

Robert Whittall, CEO, Chester Aid to the Homeless said:

“Part of the grant also supported five individuals with things that maybe we take for granted.  When people are moved on from temporary or supported accommodation they have generally only had the use of communal kettles, toasters, microwaves or slow cookers. With this money, when individuals gain access to their own place CATH can provide the first set of modest white goods so at the very least they can make a cup of tea, breakfast and a meal.”

The ‘End Homelessness’ scheme is hosted by The Chester Bluecoat Charity who ensure that 100 per cent of the money donated goes directly to support the homeless community. The tap to donate system makes charitable giving easier and hopefully will raise lots of funds that will make a real difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Chester.

The Chester Bluecoat Charity will agree with the charities involved how the money should be spent in relation to the work they do supporting those experiencing homelessness.

Donations can be made at one of the contactless payment screens or directly via : 

Chester Aid to the Homeless, Soul Kitchen or Share