Joe’s Place, a community project in Gateshead established in collaboration with local parishes and St Cuthbert’s Care, has celebrated 10 years of dedicated service to the local community.
Every Wednesday, the weekly drop-in Centre, hosted in St Joseph’s parish hall, welcomes around 100 people. An amazing team of dedicated volunteers provides a delicious home-cooked meal, essential warm clothes, and friendly conversation to individuals across the Gateshead area.
The project opens its doors to everyone, offering good food, a hot drink, a chat and companionship – no questions asked. As volunteer coordinator Wilf McNeany often says, “You could be a millionaire or have nothing and you would be welcome to share a free meal and friendly chat at Joe’s Place.”
In celebration of the 10th anniversary, Bishop Stephen Wright and St Cuthbert’s Care Chief Executive Nic Gilbert joined volunteers and guests in the usual Joe’s Place way by sharing a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and a chat!
Bishop Stephen Wright remarked, “It’s an absolute pleasure and a privilege to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Joe’s Place. Thanks are due to all the volunteers who work here, the John Ingram Partnership, St Cuthbert’s Care and all the local voluntary and statutory agencies that support the project. We pray that all of us, especially the Church, will always be mindful of the need to serve the needs of the poor and we urge political leaders to tackle the problem of poverty in our area.”
Run by a team of dedicated volunteers, Joe’s Place offers a varied menu with full table service – from taking individual orders to delivering meals to the table.
“We are delighted to play a small part in the success of Joe’s Place as it continues to provide hope and support to people across Gateshead. It’s a true demonstration of compassion and community spirit,” said Nic Gilbert.
If you would like to help Joe’s Place in anyway why not drop in to discuss any Wednesday between 8.00am and 2.00pm or drop an email to: wilfmcneany@yahoo.co.uk.
This article was originally published through St Cuthbert’s Care website and has been reproduced with their kind permission. For more information email: nicola.milne@stcuthbertscare.org.uk or call 0191 242 4809.
