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Creating a safe place based on warmth, kindness and open mindedness has truly been a group effort over the years. From the various staff members involved in its inception and growth, to the hundreds of volunteers who have rolled their sleeves up to chop, peel, roast and put the kettle on. Our newest kitchen volunteer just completed their first shift at the end of April, and some have been there since our very first meal (including our current CEO who was there as a volunteer!)
Today, 17 of our 150 active volunteers are former Service Users who have made the proud transition to the other side of the serving counter. Twice a week our kitchen is a bustling hub for our community, providing not only nourishment for the body but also for the heart. We bring in guest speakers on debt, welfare and legal advice. We run workshops on aromatherapy, reflexology and art therapy. We head out into the garden when it's sunny, take our shoes off and feel the grass on our feet. We hunt for "Easter eggs" at Easter (although we use oranges, we are a nutrition charity after all), put out dates at Eid, and give out as many hugs as we do hot dinners. We are immensely proud of Eating Together and the family that we have built around food.
That being said, we always want to make sure that we are providing the best support to the people that need it most, and as part of that goal we have recently conducted some new case studies. We want Service Users to tell us if they think our services are effective. We've already learned a lot, along with hearing some wonderful words about how much Eating Together has meant to them.
In the words of one: “I no longer isolate myself. It broadened my understanding. All this made me feel: look, I shouldn’t bother myself anymore. I shouldn’t have any negative thoughts. Because many people are here to help, to support. Now I think: I’m happy!”
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