The Soup Kitchen at American International Church

One of our guests, Jay (name changed), is a young Black British gay man. He told us he was sexually abused when he was six and that the memory of what happened stays with him constantly — especially in his sleep.

Jay spent time in the foster system as a child and during that time, was diagnosed with dyslexia and Asperger’s. He describes living with fluctuating mental health, including experiencing suicidal thoughts, as a tremendous barrier to a normal life. He shared that his professional life collapsed because of his mental health struggles.

Jay now lives with HIV. He told us his benefits had recently stopped and that he often ends up eating from bins. He also shared that he uses illicit drugs to help him forget the abuse he experienced as a child. When he can, he spends time drawing and designing castles that he dreams of living in one day.

Jay’s story is a common one amongst many rough sleepers. Early childhood trauma can shape everything that comes after — mental health, relationships, confidence and the ability to hold onto work or housing when life becomes unstable. That’s why we operate a groundbreaking, on-site drop-in mental health clinic at Soup Kitchen London, staffed by trained psychologists. Our friends can access professional support in a familiar place, without the need for appointments or long waits.

Thank you, ‘Jay’ ♥️

One of our guests, Jay (name changed), is a young Black British gay man. He told us he was sexually abused when he was six and that the memory of what happened stays with him constantly — especially in his sleep.

Jay spent time in the foster system as a child and during that time, was diagnosed with dyslexia and Asperger’s. He describes living with fluctuating mental health, including experiencing suicidal thoughts, as a tremendous barrier to a normal life. He shared that his professional life collapsed because of his mental health struggles.

Jay now lives with HIV. He told us his benefits had recently stopped and that he often ends up eating from bins. He also shared that he uses illicit drugs to help him forget the abuse he experienced as a child. When he can, he spends time drawing and designing castles that he dreams of living in one day.

Jay’s story is a common one amongst many rough sleepers. Early childhood trauma can shape everything that comes after — mental health, relationships, confidence and the ability to hold onto work or housing when life becomes unstable. That’s why we operate a groundbreaking, on-site drop-in mental health clinic at Soup Kitchen London, staffed by trained psychologists. Our friends can access professional support in a familiar place, without the need for appointments or long waits.

Thank you, ‘Jay’. ♥️

Thomas (name changed), is a British man who struggles with chronic hoarding and it has taken a significant toll on his life.

He has been housed for six months through a housing service, but his flat has become so full that he now sleeps in the corridor or outside on a bench. He also keeps the contents of another flat stored elsewhere.

Thomas explained that he is now facing eviction after a fire alarm incident. During this incident, he was so afraid of others seeing the state of his home that when the fire brigade arrived, he refused to let them in. Because of this, inspections of his flat were ordered and mental health professionals were sent to evaluate him. When they arrived, he barricaded himself inside until the door was forced open.

Thomas feels extreme anxiety at the idea of letting go of even the smallest item. He said he knows how much it limits his life, yet he feels powerless to stop.

Hoarding is a recognised mental health disorder and a condition which affects many people. Thank you for your courage in sharing, ‘Thomas.’

One of our guests, Michael (name changed), is a 55-year-old British man who has faced significant challenges throughout his life.

Michael describes himself as gay and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He told us that while growing up in the 1980s, he was relentlessly bullied because of his sexuality. At 20, he experienced a mental breakdown after his father left the family and they lost their home. He said his mother relied heavily on alcohol during that time, though he described her as his primary source of support.

Michael often speaks about how his schizophrenia diagnosis has shaped his life and he believes strongly that it has affected his ability to work and build stability. He visits us each morning for support and connection and he describes the Soup Kitchen as a place where he can be around people, feel welcome and not feel so alone. Thank you for sharing, ‘Michael’.

Christmas Eve is around the corner. But Santa’s had enough. Donate your £5.55 to the Soup Kitchen to help a real person in need instead. Keep those donations coming. Link in bio. 🎅🏻

An absolutely INCREDIBLE day with our friends from

Each year, Bloomberg Employees put together lovely winter care packs for our homeless friends that include warm clothing, toiletries and beautiful handwritten cards. We distribute these gifts at our annual holiday party and they’re the highlight of the season for so many.

Thank you for investing so much time, effort and resources to create so many smiles for hundreds and hundreds of people who would otherwise go without. You all are AMAZING!

Chef Lauren cooking up a storm today—jerk wings, coleslaw and rice & peas.

When you have 200 of your closest friends over for lunch and you can hear a needle drop, you know the food is delicious!

Thank you to Laura & our volunteers from Apollo Global Management & August Equity. Great work supporting so many people, team!

ANOTHER incredibly busy day at Soup Kitchen London! Thank you to our team, volunteers and donors who make it possible to feed and support over 200 people each day.

Also, can we take a moment to look at Chef meal of the day for our veggie loving friends? Burrata, with baby plum tomatoes, sliced avocado and basil pesto on sourdough toast—all with surplus ingredients—incredible!

Our guests often stay to help clean up – not out of obligation, but because they consider the Soup Kitchen home and our staff & volunteers family!