In the midst of our busy, bustling and stressful lives, it can be so easy to forget these three very essential priorities: to take time out, to eat well and to connect with others. That’s why, every Tuesday at 12.30, I make it a priority (appointments permitting) to head to St Chad’s church hall in Bensham, Gateshead, for the Samosa Sisters’ Community Pay As You Can lunch.

The Samosa Sisters are a grass-roots not-for-profit organisation run by asylum-seeking ladies. It’s aim is to empower vulnerable women and it uses money raised through catering to relieve poverty through a destitution fund. The ladies are truly inspirational- having combatted and escaped horrific situations, they commit to ploughing their time, energy and skills into serving and supporting others in our community.

The ladies are exceptional cooks and the two course meal they provide each week is consistently delicious. But as well as the amazing international food on offer (which truly is a highlight of my week), I love having the opportunity to get to know my community too. There are refugees, home-workers, jobseekers, clergy, stay-at-home parents, retired people, homeless people, council workers and more, all sitting down and eating together, and sometimes sharing their stories. It is a chance to share, laugh, learn and cry together. It’s an opportunity to break barriers and build bridges, shatter stereotypes and forge relationships. It’s a place where we can find hope and direction.

In a political climate where there is a lot of despair, uncertainty and mistrust, these weekly lunches offer us a chance to take some time out, refuel our bodies and replenish our souls, proactively and purposefully building our community to be an inclusive, united and supportive place.

I’m starving! Who’s up for joining us for a community lunch?!

 

Find out more about the Community Food Co-op that the Samosa Sisters are also involved in by clicking here.

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