Isle of Wight cafe winter soup kitchen amid cost of living crisis

The Better Days Cafe, situated next to Tesco on Ventnor High Street, is planning to open a winter soup kitchen.

Kirsty Chapman and her army of volunteers are offering to give people soup and a warm place to sit during the cold months.

She said: "Most people I know, working or otherwise, have been slowly getting poorer. Universal Credit is crippling families.

"Just know that the cafe will be there for everyone in the cold months. If we are paying for heating and electricity then we will be anyway, so turn off your heating and come and share ours.

"We will be offering a soup kitchen from mid September. Wholesome, fresh soups.

"If you can afford it, you pay. If you can't you don't. We have board games, jigsaws, knitting and chess.

"If you know of any elderly people who are sitting in the cold or in darkness. Send them our way.

"Untill then, enjoy the warmth. We still have a pay it forward scheme, we offer signposting for benefit and mental health advice.

"And we offer, most importantly, solace. A hug and a listening ear."

Kirsty Chapman at the Better Days Cafe.

Kirsty opened the cafe at the start of the year, with the intention of it being an inclusion hub for the community.

It's run by volunteers and supported by donations.

The "pay it forward" scheme works whereby those who can afford it add a little money to the kitty, and people who can't afford a coffee or a lunch can be given a free one.

During the May/June half-term, the cafe raised £1,800 and provided packed lunches for hundreds of children. 

Support the cafe by dropping by for a drink, something to eat, or leave a donation.

Video shows Kirsty in January, just before the cafe opened.