Newbury Soup Kitchen (NSK) provides food, practical help, and long-term support to people experiencing homelessness and extreme hardship in West Berkshire. Through trusted relationships and close partnerships, we help people stabilise their lives and move towards housing, health, and independence.
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Homelessness in West Berkshire is rising, with rough sleeping levels 61% higher nationally than ten years ago and many more people experiencing hidden homelessness. Our clients face multiple, intersecting barriers including trauma, mental ill-health, addiction, domestic abuse, and exclusion from services. Many mistrust statutory agencies due to past experiences and fall through the gaps, leaving them without food, safety, healthcare, or support.
NSK's approach is centred on dignity, trust, and long-term relationships. Free, freshly cooked food is the gateway to engagement, allowing us to build trust with people who are wary of services. Alongside food, we provide practical essentials (sleeping bags, tents, toiletries etc). Crucially, we offer ongoing one-to-one support: helping clients access healthcare, mental health and addiction services, benefits, housing, legal support, and towards stability and a secure home.