Our community café offers a safe, welcoming space where people can begin to rebuild
their lives. Many of those we support are living with trauma, poor mental or physical
health, or have been displaced by conflict or crisis. These challenges can make it incredibly
difficult to access mainstream services.
That’s why wrap-around support is so important. By offering a hot meal and a safe,
welcoming space to someone in crisis, we meet immediate needs and create pathways to
recovery through access to our on-site specialist support services.
Jamal's Story
When Jamal fled Darfur, Sudan, ongoing conflict forced him to leave his family behind. Arriving in the UK alone, he faced unfamiliar systems, language barriers, and the daunting challenge of starting again from scratch. Despite this, Jamal was determined to move forward.
With support from Providence Row, he enrolled in college and completed ESOL, Functional Skills, and ICT qualifications. As his English and digital skills improved, so did his confidence and independence.
Recognising his interest in practical work, Jamal went on to complete digital skills training
and a Food Safety and Hygiene qualification. This led to a place on our ‘Yes Chef’
programme.
Through hands-on training, teamwork, and structured employability support, Jamal
developed not only practical skills, but also renewed purpose and direction.
“Taking part in Yes Chef has given me even more purpose, but most of all, it’s given
me direction and motivation.”
Today, Jamal is working as a Relief Worker and Assistant Support Worker in a hostel,
using his own experience to support others facing similar challenges.
Jamal’s journey shows what is possible when someone is given the right support at the
right time.
Our 10-week ‘Yes Chef’ programme helps people with little or no experience build skills,
confidence, and qualifications—opening doors to employment in the hospitality sector.
But none of this happens without the foundation of something simple: a meal, a safe
space, and the opportunity to engage.
