COMMUNITY WINTER HOT MEAL 2026/27

THE HOT MEAL PROJECT 2026 UPDATE

Our Community Cares is pleased to introduce its 2026 Winter Hot Meal Project, a community initiative designed to bring people together during the colder months by providing opportunities for social connection, wellbeing activities, informal support, and access to a warm meal in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Winter can be a particularly challenging time for individuals and families, especially those experiencing loneliness, social isolation, financial pressures, emotional difficulties, or barriers to accessing community support. Through this initiative, Our Community Cares aims to create a safe and supportive space where people can come together, share experiences, build meaningful relationships, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

The project goes beyond providing a hot meal. It is about creating opportunities for people to connect, feel heard, access information, participate in positive activities, and discover the support available within their local community.

Whether someone comes along for a meal, to participate in an activity, to have a conversation, or to find out about additional support, everyone will be welcomed with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Launch Date: Wednesday, 21st October 2026

Venue: Memorial Church, 395 Barking Road, Plaistow, London

Friday Evenings: Table Talk, Counselling and Community Connect

Every Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Our Friday sessions will provide a dedicated space for conversation, emotional wellbeing, community engagement, and access to wider support.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Table Talk and Informal Counselling

The first hour will focus on Table Talk, offering an opportunity for people to sit together, talk, listen, share experiences, and discuss issues that may be affecting their daily lives.

These conversations will aim to encourage emotional wellbeing, reduce feelings of isolation, and help individuals feel listened to and understood. Where appropriate, participants can be signposted to relevant professional services or organisations for additional assistance.

Table Talk will promote a culture of compassion, respect, confidentiality within appropriate safeguarding boundaries, and non-judgemental support. It will provide an opportunity for people to raise concerns, explore challenges, and identify possible sources of help in a supportive community setting.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Community Connect and Wraparound Support

The second hour will focus on Community Connect activities and wider wraparound support.

These activities will aim to help participants learn more about available community resources, strengthen their support networks, and identify services that may assist them with their individual circumstances.

Depending on community needs and the support available, activities may include:

• Community information and signposting to relevant local services.
• Wellbeing conversations and peer support.
• Guidance on accessing appropriate health and social support.
• Information about family, housing, financial wellbeing, and other support services.
• Community engagement activities that encourage participation and belonging.
• Opportunities to develop friendships, share experiences, and build stronger support networks.

The aim is to make support more accessible by helping people identify where to turn when they need advice, practical assistance, or further guidance.

Our Commitment to the Community

Through the Winter Hot Meal Project, Our Community Cares hopes to make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of individuals and families in Plaistow and the surrounding areas.

Our key objectives are to:

Reduce loneliness and social isolation: Create regular opportunities for people to meet, interact, and establish meaningful connections.

Promote health and wellbeing: Encourage physical activity, positive social interaction, emotional wellbeing, and healthy community engagement.

Improve access to support: Help people discover relevant services, community resources, and appropriate sources of assistance.

Provide a welcoming community space: Offer an environment where individuals can feel accepted, respected, and included, regardless of their circumstances.

Strengthen community relationships: Bring residents together, encourage mutual support, and build a stronger sense of collective responsibility.

Support people during the winter months: Provide opportunities for companionship, community participation, and access to a hot meal during a time when some people may face increased financial and social pressures.

Who Can Attend?

Our Community Cares welcomes community members who would benefit from social connection, wellbeing activities, community support, or the opportunity to share a meal with others.

We particularly hope to reach individuals who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, difficult circumstances, or challenges accessing support, while maintaining an inclusive environment for the wider community.

Participants are encouraged to come along, meet others, take part in activities, and become part of a community that values kindness, inclusion, and mutual support.

Weekly Programme at a Glance

Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Zumba and physical wellbeing.
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Winter hot meal service and community fellowship.

Fridays | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Table Talk, informal counselling, and supportive conversations.
• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Community Connect activities and wraparound support.

Location: Memorial Church, 395 Barking Road, Plaistow, London.

Starting Wednesday, 21st October 2026.

Join Us and Be Part of a Caring Community

Our Community Cares believes that building a stronger community begins with simple but meaningful actions: sharing a meal, listening to someone, offering encouragement, and helping people feel that they belong.

The Winter Hot Meal Project is an opportunity to come together, support one another, and create a community where people are not left to face challenges alone.

We invite residents and community members to join us, participate in our weekly activities, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and help us build a more connected, supportive, and compassionate community.

Our Community Cares: Bringing people together through food, wellbeing, connection, and support.

Venue: Memorial Church, 395 Barking Road, Plaistow, London.

Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Fridays, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.