Homelessness charity soup kitchen honoured with community award

Homelessness charity Emmaus Glasgow has received a UK charity award for its weekly and bi-monthly soup kitchens.

The soup kitchen was recognised at the Emmaus National Assembly of more than 30 Emmaus charities at the University of Warwick.

The John Thompson Award recognises acts of solidarity among the federation of Emmaus charities and symbolises the tireless efforts of Emmaus Glasgow in running a regular soup kitchen nights that has become a vital source of support for people in need at Cadogan Street in the city.

The Emmaus National Assembly, a major annual gathering of homelessness organisations from around the UK, took place this year with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and community solidarity.

Emmaus Glasgow volunteers Paul, Jean and Jim at the soup kitchen on Cadogan Street in the cityplaceholder image
Emmaus Glasgow volunteers Paul, Jean and Jim at the soup kitchen on Cadogan Street in the city

Emmaus Glasgow's soup kitchen initiative was praised as a consistent and compassionate response to food poverty, providing not only meals but a safe, welcoming environment for those experiencing homelessness or hardship.

Richard Allwood, Chief Executive of Emmaus Glasgow, said: "Receiving this award is a testament to the efforts of the people supported by the charity, Emmaus Glasgow’s companions, and volunteers, including students from the University of Glasgow, who give their time and energy to make sure no one in our city goes hungry.

"Emmaus Glasgow is proud to have developed the service to support local schools and have put the award up in our hallway for the people who live at our homelessness charity to see – many of whom help at the soup kitchen. The support we offer through our soup kitchen nights goes beyond food – like our Emmaus homelessness charity, it's about offering dignity, community, and a place where people feel cared for."

Emmaus Glasgow combines a home and support with meaningful work opportunities, helping people who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives in a stable, empowering environment.

L-R BBC Radio 2 quizmaster and homelessness campaigner Jay Flynn MBE, Emmaus Glasgow Chief Executive Officer Richard, receiving the award with people supported by the charity at the Emmaus National Assembly Kirstie, Valerie, Brian, Wayne, trustee Tony and Emmaus UK CEO Charlotte.placeholder image
L-R BBC Radio 2 quizmaster and homelessness campaigner Jay Flynn MBE, Emmaus Glasgow Chief Executive Officer Richard, receiving the award with people supported by the charity at the Emmaus National Assembly Kirstie, Valerie, Brian, Wayne, trustee Tony and Emmaus UK CEO Charlotte.

The charity’s soup kitchens have become a hallmark of its commitment to community support and outreach every Wednesday and every other Sunday, especially in light of the growing challenges around poverty and homelessness in Glasgow.

For more information about Emmaus Glasgow and how to support, please visit www.emmaus.org.uk/glasgow/.

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