From January to March 2023, 1,000 free freshly made soup and bread meals were served from a specially designed Soup Stop within the Third Sector Hebrides building, open three days per week. People from all walks of life in the community were welcome to enjoy a delicious hearty meal to eat with others or to take away, with no questions asked!

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The soups were made in a catering standard kitchen off-site and then transported to the premises, with two choices available each day, always including gluten and dairy free options. The initiative was a great success, with staff reporting a real buzz in the building from the many people who called in for a soup meal - people already engaging with the services, tradespeople and office workers, families, old and young – the benefit really was felt by everyone.

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As the project was a pilot, it helped us gather evidence of impact and need to apply for future funding. The project was funded by several time-limited grants and included wider costs such as providing supported part-time employment for two staff to make and serve the home-made soup.

 

The impacts of the project included:

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• a reduction in loneliness and social isolation - people had a safe, warm space where they could enjoy eating together with others or take away food to share with others in their own home, without financial barriers;

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• an increase in peoples’ mental and physical health and wellbeing;

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• a renewed sense of community;

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• people feeling increasingly cared for;

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•  people reporting losing weight due to eating more healthily;

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• a reduction in poverty and inequalities already experienced by people living in our remote island communities who have been disproportionately affected by the rising costs of food/fuel;

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• enabling people to take the first step in engaging with the service and building a trusting relationship with staff

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• increased access to and knowledge of other services available, including the Community Cost of Living Fund which was running at the same time;

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• two staff were employed on a part-time basis for three months and received training and work experience, leading to them going on to further employment beyond the project