Tony Lloyd visits Rochdale soup kitchen

Tony Lloyd, Deputy Mayor Mohammad Zaman and Councillor Daalat Ali with soup kitchen volunteers and visitors

Tony Lloyd, Labour candidate for Rochdale in the forthcoming general election, visited the soup kitchen at the former Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (18 May).

He had a tour of the facilities - alongside Councillor Daalat Ali and Deputy Mayor Mohammad Zaman - which are used for the soup kitchen each Thursday by Rochdale Community Partnership and Empowering Minds.

Mohammed Sheraz, of Rochdale Community Partnership, said they had been operating for five months and have up to 50 or 60 regulars who drop by for a hot meal and tea or coffee.

Mr Lloyd said: “It’s great that they operate from the town centre, posing no trouble to anyone and with the goodwill of the people here and donations.

“I think most of us would hope other people would help if we fell on hard times. These are the things many of us take for granted

The former interim mayor of Greater Manchester and Police Crime Commissioner added: “It shows there’s a need for it because I recognise many of the faces I saw at St Chad’s last night.”

Mr Sheraz added the group has a partnership with the leisure centre, where many of the people they help can have a free swim and shower.

He said: “It’s good people have the chance to get clean. I know people make moral judgements but most of us wake up, shower and get cleaned up and the rest is taken for granted. It’s great that someone provides these facilities.”

Rochdale Community Partnership (RCP) also works closely with drug and alcohol referral agencies and mental health services.

RCP services are for anyone in need, not just the homeless, as Mr Sheraz explained they often help asylum seekers or those who struggle for meals.

Mr Lloyd commented this was "a lifesaver for those who have homes but no money for food".

Another volunteer commented: “This shows the crisis created by the Conservative government. If we ran this seven days a week, people would be here every day.”

Approximately 40 people visited the soup kitchen whilst our reporter was present, and a stack of fresh pizzas donated by a local business were shared.

Mr Lloyd added: “It’s comfortable and quiet. It’s low-key and ensures those who need it most get it. There’s a real sense of giving and community.

The volunteer continued: “It’s a good piece of humanity in action and it promotes community cohesion. Lots of our volunteers are young people.”

Mr Lloyd agreed, saying: “Building stronger communities is what it’s all about.”

Councillor Zaman said: “One positive thing is the community working together.”

Mr Lloyd commented: “I didn’t expect to see so many people here. The sad thing is, it just shows how much this is needed. No-one is turned away, that’s the important thing.”

Mr Lloyd spent the rest of his visit chatting with people, and even received a welcomed hug from one man when he confirmed he was a member of the Labour Party and standing for the Rochdale constituency - "you’ve got my vote”, the man beamed.