A community centre in Burngreave has vowed to continue serving free weekly meals, despite failing to raise the £1,000 needed to upgrade their kitchen.

The Ashram, a “vital hub” for the community, provides a free meal every Thursday for up to 60 people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and isolation.

Deborah Egan, project leader for the Spital Hill Network, said: “We are delivering meals regularly and if necessary using personal funds. All the volunteers believe in what happens here and are determined to grow and expand what we do in the community.”

Ms Egan adds that although Burngreave may not have the best reputation “there’s no area like it in the city. It’s like a big intergenerational culturally and religiously diverse family.”

The kitchen caters to 36 communities speaking over 36 languages, and is open to anyone in need. This year they provided an estimated 3000 meals for Iftar during the month of Ramadan.

In a statement on Crowdfunder, Hendrika Stephens, a volunteer, said: “At The Ashram, we believe everyone deserves warmth, dignity, and community. Our weekly meals are more than food – they are a lifeline.”

The Ashram is now having to outsource supplies for their free weekly meals from Zurbiany, a sponsoring restaurant, due to their outdated kitchen equipment which is not fit for purpose.

Malcolm Camp, 59, a volunteer said: “[Zurbiany] has just set up. They don’t have loads and loads of money. They’re doing this because they’re of the people, and they recognise the importance of this area.”

The Ashram hopes to expand the work they do if they are able to develop a serviceable kitchen.

The centre continues to offer additional services, including a men’s mental health group, and is restarting its education programme with crafts and English language sessions in April.

Mr Camp said: “We need people to remember their journeys to stability, security, safety, and wellbeing, and to now think this is the time to give back.”

Despite the deadline passing, The Ashram’s Crowdfunder continues to accept donations, which will go towards upgrading appliances, including a new cooker and kitchen units.

To support The Ashram, visit Crowdfunder – Meals That Matter: Build Our Community Kitchen.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/meals-that-matter-save-our-community-kitchen