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“After 18 months of handing out takeaways to a growing number of guests in need, being able to welcome people back into the warm hub of our dining hall comes with a real sense of relief!” – this is the spirit of the Refettorio team, which after months spent helping people who needed it most can now finally invite guests to come in and to sit around the same table.
We met Beyrom, Support Worker & Refettorio Digital Manager, who gave us an overview of how needs have changed in recent times and how communities need us, now more than ever.
Reopening was a difficult balance to get right, as we wanted to make sure we could accommodate as many people as possible whilst ensuring it was safe to do so. We have kept many covid safety procedures in place including asking guests to wear masks and sanitise their hands on entry.
Some people have made their own decision to wait until they are comfortable to return to the Refettorio, but in general we have seen a large number of our former guests happy and willing to come back after such a long time away. The mood is similar to how it always has been with guests discussing today’s menu or the latest news stories, which is such a welcome change after 18 months of quiet inside our dining room.
We are incredibly fortunate to be supported by many different companies and charities both locally and further afield. A range of businesses send their staff to volunteer and experience the way guests’ lives are transformed through their time at the Refettorio which they often find to be a radically different experience to their jobs, but one which impacts their future behaviour. Our close links with local organisations also means we can help our guests access the support they need should they be experiencing a crisis of housing, finances, mental health or anything else. We work extensively with Glassdoor (a homeless charity), local government and others to ensure that our guests receive appropriate support in a timely manner to avoid worsening their situation.
Would you help us create a socially inclusive world where no food is wasted, communities are food sufficient and have the tools to thrive?