The project has welcomed 80 people regularly each Tuesday lunchtime from 12 to 2:00 pm and 120 people each last Friday of the month has proved very popular among clients.
Referrals have been made to Plymouth Access to Housing team where appropriate and the service has the full support of the Plymouth Police Diverse Communities Team and the local neighbourhood Police. Food is prepared and cooked by our team of friendly volunteers. Some of our clients are always keen to assist with clearing tables and tidying up afterwards and this has helped to boost their self-esteem and make them feel valued as part of the community. Clients have been encouraged in their job search or access to training and assisted with literacy/numeracy issues. Some have benefited from music sessions learning to play the keyboard and African drums as another part of the broader programme of activities.
The Co-operative Community Fund, Plymouth City Council Wellbeing Grant Fund and Devon Community Foundation funded this project. It has positively impacted the lives of 120 people each month, including young people, the elderly, the disabled, lone parents, asylum seekers, homeless or rough sleepers and migrant workers. It continues to bring people together from various social/economic/cultural backgrounds to improve communication and understanding and strengthen communities by providing a meeting point for face-to-face dialogue.
In December, a traditional Christmas meal was provided to all clients attending the Tuesday Drop-In service.
Lord Mayor and Consort Councillor Pauline Murphy and Councillor Brian Vincent visited the All Nations Ministries Drop in project
On the 11th of October 2016, the Lord Mayor and Consort Councillor Pauline Murphy and Councillor Brian Vincent visited the All Nations Ministries Drop-in project, which helps homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers in the city was visited by the Lord Mayor as people shared stories of how they have turned their lives around.
All Nations Ministries set up Connecting Communities in 2010, which provides a safe environment for people from low-income and marginalised backgrounds to meet together and enjoy a hot meal.
Pastor Osee Ntavuka, the general director of All Nations Ministries, invited Lord Mayor and Consort Councillor Pauline Murphy and Councillor Brian Vincent visit the group.
Pastor Ntavuka said: During the time the Lord Mayor spent with us there were great testimonies from people who have changed their lives for the better.
All Nations Ministries has continued to develop its weekly Drop-In service for homeless and vulnerable people in addition to providing a once-monthly shared meal on Friday evenings with live music from young people.
This service provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for people from low-income and disadvantaged/marginalised backgrounds to meet together and enjoy a hot meal and friendship and a chance to access useful information and obtain free toiletries and clothing.