Man ‘gets his spark back’ after cookery project for homeless

Kyle said he “got his spark back” after attending the sessions at Soul Kitchen’s Soul in a Bowl project.

This led to him returning to college after more than a decade.

He said: “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.”

The community initiative is designed for the homeless, people in temporary accommodation, or those who have recently moved into permanent accommodation and are struggling to adapt to independent living.

It encourages attendees to actively participate in planning, creating menu choices, as well as preparing and cooking nutritious, budget-friendly meals.

The project also aims to instil self-confidence, teamwork, responsibility, and reliability in participants.

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.”

The initiative is supported by public donations collected through Chester’s End Homelessness Scheme.

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 have been collecting donations on behalf of Chester charities: The Bluecoat Charity, Share, Chester Aid to the Homeless, and Soul Kitchen.”

The funds collected have been used by the volunteer organisation, Soul Kitchen, to continue their work providing food and support for people experiencing loneliness, food poverty, or homelessness in Chester.

In addition to this, the funds have been used to empower individuals like Kyle to move away from life on the streets.

The project also supports individuals ready to move forward into employment or further education.

The scheme has seen eight people through their Level 2 food hygiene for catering courses and helped two attendees into catering college.

Mr Beacham added: “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.”

Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH), which has been supporting people in crisis in Chester for more than 50 years, also benefits from the donations.

A portion of the grant received by them was used to support another Soul in a Bowl graduate who enrolled at college, helping 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, chief executive officer at Chester Aid to the Homeless, added: “Part of the grant also supported five individuals with things that maybe we take for granted.

“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, which ensures 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 aims to raise substantial funds that will make a real difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Chester.

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