Eighteen months ago, Anxious Minds opened the Veteran and Community Kitchen in North Tyneside, with support from the National Lottery and the Army Benevolent Fund. Established as part of our commitment to supporting veterans and the wider community facing food poverty, the kitchen has already made a significant impact. Featured on Good Morning Britain and in the Express Newspaper, it served over 18,000 hot meals in the first year. In addition, more than 900 veterans have enjoyed a free breakfast at our Friday Veteran Breakfast Club.
One of our regular users is an elderly blind veteran living with Parkinson’s. He visits the kitchen every day because he cannot cook at home, and our staff also prepare meals for him to take away at weekends. He shared his story with us:
“Before I came to the Veteran Recovery College, I had no life, nothing. Some youths broke into my house, and when I tried to fight them off, they stabbed me and left me for dead. After that, I was terrified to leave the house. Coming here has given me my life back. The staff are amazing; they know everyone by name and really look after us. They always make sure I’m okay, they even clean up after me and never let my cup run empty. The other day I had a funny turn, and they took me home, settled me into bed, and got me the support I needed. I cannot thank them enough — they’ve given me my life back.”
