A community kitchen has opened in Woodthorpe, where free hot meals are provided to the residents of the Sheffield ward every Thursday at 4pm.

Located in St. Swithun’s Church, people in the area have gathered for the last seven months to come and claim a free meal and socialise with one another creating a space where organisers say “people can just come and be”.

The weekly event is run by volunteers Claire Doutra and Sarah Short, who have both lived in the area for up to 25 years.

Claire said their main aim is: “Not only trying to address food poverty, but it’s also trying to address loneliness as well.”

The initiative offers a welcoming space for individuals to enjoy hot meals and connect with others.

The programme seeks to alleviate feelings of isolation among community members. Participants are encouraged to share conversations and build connections in a relaxing atmosphere.

Claire, a dedicated volunteer, is a member of the local Church of England.

She said: “It is all about serving and being present for those in need.”

The group has been building on the work of the S2 foodbank which has been in operation for the last 10 years, and use food provided by the foodbank to further aid support within the south east region of Sheffield.

Claire added: “It’s so lovely to be able to do something that’s blessing the community, open to the community with no expectations, like we are just serving.”

As the community kitchen continues to grow, the volunteers remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, where everyone is welcome, and nobody is turned away.

“I just love the thought that we’re, as a church too, doing something so practical to help,” Claire said.

She also noted that it is heart-warming to see the church step outside its traditional focus and actively participate in community outreach.

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