A local charity aimed at tackling homelessness in practical and long-term ways is fundraising to expand its operations in Chester.

For the last 18 months, Soul Kitchen has ran free cookery sessions in Chester for those who are or have been homeless.

Volunteers work alongside participants to create menu choices, prepare and cook nutritious budget-friendly meals which are enjoyed together as a team.

There is now an opportunity to base "Soul in a Bowl' in one permanent location.

Soul in a Bowl is a volunteer-led initiative promoting self-sufficiency and routes into employment (Image via: Soul Kitchen)

Citing the importance of longer-term solutions for those on the street, Helen Anthony, chair of Soul Kitchen, told Nub News: "Our 'Soul in a Bowl' project provides the opportunity for our service users to learn more than just cookery skills.

"It builds self-confidence and self-esteem, provides the opportunity for team-working, obtaining skills, qualifications and self-belief to allow progression into self-sufficiency and employment."

All money raised will go towards installing a new kitchen in the building, to run all sessions and the new 'Second Bite' enterprise from one location - allowing the charity to continue the cooking sessions on a larger, long-term basis. 

All money raised will go towards installing a new kitchen in the building (Image via: All money raised will go towards installing a new kitchen in the building (Image via: Soul Kitchen)

It will also enable the charity to develop stage two of 'Soul in a Bowl'- a social enterprise where employees are paid a living wage, whilst giving them the opportunity to look towards full time employment.

Creating a working environment within Soul Kitchen would provide a "gentler and supported return to employment", Helen explained.

She added: "This would be easier than using rented premises where we have no food or equipment storage facilities, and we would also look to increase the number of sessions.  

"We would also start our Second Bite enterprise from this location which would also offer the possibility to offer further opportunities for personal development within the project."

Graduates will be offered training sessions at The Sunset Cafe which runs every Friday (Image via: Soul Kitchen)

Those that are ready to move forward into employment or further education are encouraged and supported to do so, with the charity currently running a training pilot with The Town House Hotel in Chester every Friday.

Step two of 'Soul in a Bowl' will offer the opportunity for successful graduates to work in a social enterprise run by Soul Kitchen, providing baked goods to local independent cafes in Chester.

'Soul in a Bowl' graduates are those that have come through step one with a level 2 Food Hygiene certificate and have proven reliability in attending the sessions. 

They will be offered the opportunity of training sessions at The Sunset Cafe and also work within the 'Second Bite' project. 

You can find the fundraiser here.