Lunch clubs serving up a treat

Many of our supported housing schemes host weekly lunch clubs that cost just a few pounds and are often open to non-residents. With the current cost of living crisis putting a strain on food and heating costs, these bargain-priced lunches are becoming increasingly important, and for those who live alone the clubs offer a perfect opportunity to get out, socialise and combat isolation.

At Toronto Court in Millbrook the local lunch club dishes up a hot lunch and pudding every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for just £3. One of the organisers, Dave, says it’s a chance for people to tuck into a home cooked meal whilst enjoying a cuppa and a chat: “It’s great to see people enjoying the food especially those who might not cook a hot meal for themselves at home. After lunch there’s the chance to make friends, have a chin-wag or play cards and board games. It’s a popular club that’s obviously much needed.”

There are lots of other lunch clubs in operation across the city including:

• Milner Court, Shirley - breakfast club every Wednesday morning costing £1.
• Rozel Court, Lordshill - lunch club every Thursday costing between £2 to £4.50 depending on what is served.
• Vellan Court, Millbrook - lunch club every Friday.
• Manston Court, Lordshill - fish and chip lunch on a Wednesday costing £4.50.

Many lunch clubs need payment in advance so it’s best to book in before turning up.  For more information about where and when your local lunch club takes place just contact our Activity Coordinators:

• Laura Blaxall – covers the west of the city
• Mike Garlick – covers the central and east areas

Many of our current lunch clubs rely on the support of local volunteers and we are always in need of more people to lend a hand with cooking, serving, and setting up. If you would like to volunteer your time to help at a lunch club or to get involved in any Tenant Engagement activities, please get in touch. Remember that voluntary work like this can enhance your CV and help you to develop skills that could help in finding paid work. Please get in touch with our Tenant Engagement team on 023 8083 3185.

The Saints Foundation also offer a meal in their Warm Spaces scheme operating in venues across the city and free refreshments are served alongside activities in our libraries, as part of our warm welcome initiative.