Home > About The People’s Kitchen
The People’s Kitchen was established by a 76 year old lady Alison Kay in 1985. She was so moved by finding an unidentified man dead under a bush in the city that she decided to do something to help the poor and homeless.
Her first “friendship picnic” was attended by four men. It consisted of flasks of tea and sandwiches she had made in her own kitchen.
After talking to homeless people, and liaising with the Police and Social Services, she inaugurated the very first People’s Kitchen.
Under the arches - The People’s Kitchen provides food on the streets.
From under the railway arches on Trafalgar Street in Newcastle, Alison began regular distributions of food and friendship. The tradition continues but the organisation has grown significantly since then.
By 1994 word had spread about the food, warmth and support provided by the outreach workers.
A permanent base was needed so that food could be eaten in a sheltered more relaxed environment.
After occupying temporary premises in Blenheim Street, The People’s Kitchen moved to its current home The Alison Centre - in a former Christian Science Church on Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1997.
Over 20 years on, the People’s Kitchen remains true to its principles, providing “friendship and food”.
Our work has been made possible through the generous support of our volunteers and sponsors.
A Day in the Life
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