People’s Kitchen services in Newcastle upon Tyne

Operating from The Alison Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, the organisation known as People’s Kitchen provides support to the homeless and people in poverty. Most of the assistance is in the form of meals and food and is served by volunteers, but other services may also be arranged such as those noted below.

Generally, people that are on a low income and that can’t buy food on their own need other support too. So in those cases, the People’s Kitchen will try to meet their basic needs as well. A priority is on the homeless, and the charity will offer them clothing items as well as items, such as bedding, to sleep in.

Based on donations, the People’s Kitchen may pass out more than just food. It will also have warm clothes, sleeping bags, hats, blankets and more. This can help keep the person as comfort as possible, while they explore the signposting services for long term support.

Free meals are served at the Alison Centre. This is after all the primary People’s Kitchen programme, and it will keep the poor fed and address any hunger problems. Not only will the homeless person be given a hot meal, of which hundreds are served per night, but they can also access personal hygiene including showers at the Alison Centre.

Volunteers work at the Alison Centre. They prepares nutritious and freshly cooked three course meals throughout the year. The location will also offer vouchers to local food banks. They are served most days of the week, and will even more three courses. There may be fruits, meats, and other fresh food goods available, some of which is restaurant quality. More volunteers are always needed as well.

An outreach team also goes across Newcastle upon Tyne to find people sleeping rough, and they will serve them a meal as well. Or if they need clothing, then that will be dropped off. This is a pro-active approach done by the People’s Kitchen to locate the homeless and support them.

Signposting is available as the agency has many partnerships in place. This includes Newcastle upon Tyne council programmes such as deposit schemes and emergency shelters. There is free advice for the vulnerable, whether they are substance abusers or have other challenges. The staff from the kitchen partner with social workers to signpost clients to various services, including food banks in the Newcastle upon Tyne area.

People’s Kitchen will also include application points for benefits. This can help a homeless person access housing or some other type of either social or private housing. It is also combined with employment. Much of this aid is part of the Your Futures service, which involves local welfare agencies. The charity also partners with charities churches and local businesses to help the less fortunate.

The main drop in centre is at 56 Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5SQ. For more information, people can call 0191 222 0699.