A PARTNERSHIP is introducing a new scheme to help tackle isolation and loneliness in the community.

Pickering Food Share, Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resources and Yorkshire Housing will launch the Soup, Bap and Banter service on Friday, February 19.

The project was inspired by Pickering Food Share after discovering a significant number of leftover vegetables, tinned tomatoes and beans.

The scheme will run every Friday, with volunteers visiting the community to provide homemade soup, a bread bap and a conversation at a social distance. 

“A lot of work has gone in to setting this up,” said Sue Allardice, coordinator of Pickering Food Share.

“There are a lot of people isolating and have been since the beginning of the first lockdown, who we’re hoping to reach. 

“Volunteers are trained, qualified with hygiene certificates and ready to go.”

Once the Ings Garth Community Centre can reopen, people will be encouraged to come every Friday and extend the lunch club. 

Yorkshire Housing Community Team has worked with Pickering Food Share since January 2020 by supporting the project and installing a new kitchen. 

Sue added: “Jennie Sharp, from Yorkshire Housing, has helped in getting a new kitchen installed at the Ings Garth Community Centre.

“The scheme is for people who are isolating, the elderly and vulnerable.”

For more information, call Sue Allardice on 07754 158351.