Falcon Support Services is a registered charity in Loughborough which assists vulnerable people through the Falcon Centre – a 30-bed supported housing scheme with single ensuite rooms and ‘The Drop-In’ – an open access day centre for those who are homeless or vulnerable in the community.
Due to staff shortages, the team based at Falcon were struggling to provide hot meals to residents staying in their hostel over the Christmas period.
They approached the University to see if any chefs would be willing to help or whether the dining and kitchen facilities on campus could be used.
As a result, Loughborough University’s Catering team has been helping Falcon Support Services since 3 December by preparing food on campus and transporting over to their Centre for free.
The team will continue to do so throughout December and January, including on Christmas Day.
Over the last 12 months, the Falcon Centre has cooked over 16,000 meals and has housed 247 people.
Head of Food and Drink at the University Gagan Kapoor commented: “It is an absolute pleasure to be able to help the Falcon Centre and make the festive season special for people there. We hope that we can provide a wholesome and hearty meal for everyone using the service during this time.
“It’s a proud moment for our team to be part of one of the many initiatives our University contributes to the Loughborough community.”
Rachel Hall, Service Development Manager at Falcon Support Services said: “Loughborough University has massively helped us to provide hot meals for the homeless.
“Those that are homeless often have health conditions and therefore healthy and nutritious food is vital in their journey back into independence.”
Loughborough University’s Operating Chief Officer Richard Taylor added: “Here at Loughborough we recognise the important work Falcon Support Services does for vulnerable people in our community.
“We’re delighted to help the charity over the Christmas period, and I’d like to thank my colleagues in Campus Services who will be providing the meals.”