This year marks the 40th anniversary of The People’s Kitchen, a Newcastle-based charity that began with a simple but powerful act of kindness. This milestone is being celebrated all year and last night was marked with a special meal served inside the Kitchen itself, for businesses, sponsors and volunteers who support the charity’s work with disadvantaged people across the region.
In true People’s Kitchen style, the format was the same as it is for the charity’s “friends”: a hearty three-course meal of homemade soup, lamb hotpot or vegetarian curry and apple crumble prepared by the volunteers and served with the most important ingredients of all, friendship and hope. The event was sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson who also paid for all the food served on the night
Guest of honour was Alison “Ailie” Goddard, daughter of founder Alison Kay, who travelled from her home in the West Midlands to attend. She was joined by her son Richard and grandson Charlie (16), who came from Wark in Northumberland, to see at first-hand the enduring legacy Alison left when she founded The Kitchen in 1985.
Alison began by walking Newcastle’s streets with flasks of homemade soup, determined to offer warmth and dignity to those experiencing homelessness. Today, The People’s Kitchen serves around 300 meals every day of the year, powered by a team of around 300 volunteers.
“My mum started this in response to grief,” said Ailie. “After my younger brother Richard was killed in a car accident, she read about a homeless man who had died under a bush, alone. She was heartbroken, and she knew she had to do something.”
Armed only with a thermos of soup and a compassionate heart, Alison began seeking out “her friends,” as she called those living on the streets. With help from local volunteers, she soon established a small trolley service in Eldon Square, offering soup, bread, pop and whatever she could gather from shops.
Four decades later, The People’s Kitchen has grown into one of the North East’s best-known charities, providing not just food but also clothing, toiletries, and above all, friendship and community to people in need.
“Mum always wanted the community to be involved—to help people feel seen, loved, and part of something. And I think she succeeded. She’d be incredibly proud—not of herself, but of everyone who’s kept this going.”
The People’s Kitchen receives no government funding, relying entirely on public donations, corporate support and volunteers. Yet, thanks to the dedication of its community, it continues to operate every single day of the year.
“It breaks my heart that, 40 years later, The People’s Kitchen is still needed,” said Ailie. “But it also fills me with pride and hope, because every single day volunteers and supporters give their time, energy and love to keep this going. What began with my mum, a single flask of soup and a desire to show people they mattered, has grown into a lifeline of food, warmth and friendship for hundreds every day. That’s the power of compassion—and it’s what keeps her legacy alive.”
Trustee Maggie Pavlou expressed gratitude for the continued support:
“We are thankful for everyone who donates or volunteers with us throughout the year. A special mention must go to our team of volunteers who rocked up last night, in addition to the other shifts they already do, to help make this event a real success and also to law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, who have chosen us as their charity of the year for the past two years and have been incredible supporters throughout this time. We’d urge other businesses to talk to us about the benefits of supporting The Kitchen – we are truly grateful.”
To learn more or to donate, visit www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/donate