A social media post by the founder of the Better Days Cafe announcing the launch of a soup kitchen from next month has received hundreds of responses in the last 24 hours.
Kirsty Chapman founded the Better Days Cafe in Ventnor earlier this year. Not only is it a great little cafe serving fresh homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes and drinks, but it’s also a safe space offering training and work experience for those who feel excluded, as well as providing vital mental health support, workshops and advice.
“Turn off your heating and come and share ours”
As well as announcing the upcoming launch of a new soup kitchen, where you pay if you can afford it, and don’t it you can’t, Kirsty is encouraging those struggling with energy costs to “turn off your heating and come and share ours”.
Her post reads:
“So the UK is sinking into Recession. Most people I know, working or otherwise have been slowly getting poorer. Universal credit is crippling families ( working or otherwise).
“Just know, that the cafe will be there for everyone in the cold months. If we are paying for heating and electricity then we will be anyway. So turn off your heating and come and share ours.
“We will be offering a soup kitchen from mid September. Wholesome, fresh soups. If you can afford it, you pay. If you can’t you don’t.
“We have board games, jigsaws, knitting and chess. If you know of any elderly people who are sitting in the cold or in darkness. Send them our way.
“Until then, enjoy the warmth. We still have a pay it forward scheme, we offer signposting for benefit and mental health advice. And we offer, most importantly solace. A hug and a listening ear.”
The post across several boards on social media attracted hundreds of responses from people praising the efforts of all at the Better Days Cafe, as well as pointing out how vital this service will be for many as we head out of summer and into autumn/winter.
See their social media page for regular updates.
