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Yarmouth Parish Café celebrates 10 years
Yarmouth Parish Café celebrates 10 years
The Pathway Café and Resource Centre is celebrating a decade of serving the Great Yarmouth community
The Pathway Café and Resource Centre was set up in 2014 by the Parish of Great Yarmouth, based in the Minster Mission building on Admiralty Road. Its purpose was, and continues to be, to provide a safe and welcoming space for people to meet, receive a free hot meal, develop friendship groups and to have the opportunity to receive advice and practical help. One of the founding volunteers, Barbara Rowe explained: “when we started The Great Yarmouth Pathway Café, we imagined a safe place where people could warm up, have hot food and that we can practically demonstrate that a person is loved and valued by our community”
In 2018 The Great Yarmouth Pathway became a registered charity and in 2022 opened up a foodbank centre in partnership with the Trussell Trust and St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston. They currently provide hot meals, company and support to around 100 people three times a week, and between 40 - 45 food parcels a week via the foodbank
The Great Yarmouth Pathway Charity Manager, Jennifer King explains: “Reaching our 10 year anniversary gives us the opportunity to reflect on the work of the past decade and be proud of the difference we have made to our local community. But I can’t help but feel somewhat despairing that there is such great demand for what we do. I feel frustrated that what we have been doing to eradicate deprivation and loneliness hasn’t solved all the issues our service users face
“I hope that in 10 years’ time Great Yarmouth Pathway does still exist, but that the charity will have evolved and be serving the community in a different way. I pray that there will be no need for what we currently offer, but whilst we are needed, we will be here. We will continue to work really hard to be a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people in our town and we will endeavour to improve people’s lives for the long term. So, for now, we will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the charity and be proud of what we have achieved, for all the meals served, the food parcels distributed, the friendships made and the lives we have helped. I thank everyone who has supported Great Yarmouth Pathway over the years, in whatever way – big or small”
The 10 year anniversary was celebrated with a party, raffle and full roast dinner at the Great Yarmouth Pathway Café, and a service of celebration at Great Yarmouth Minster. Both were attended by the Right Reverend Ian Bishop, Bishop of Thetford.
Photo of The Great Yarmouth Pathway Cafe staff and volunteers celebrating the charity's 10th anniversary, courtesy of Jennifer King
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Anna Heydon, 17/04/2024
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