Southport Soup Kitchen has been described as “a true hidden gem in our community” which serves an astonishing 7,000 meals to vulnerable local people every year.
The life-saving facility operates from London Street in Southport town centre and has been supporting families for the past two decades, amidst growing demand for support.
It’s led by Marie Buchanan, who was recognised as a Finalist in the Main Grand Pride Of Sefton Award in April.
Southport Soup Kitchen recently enjoyed a transformation of its kitchen and reception area thanks to the £14,000 fundraising efforts of Andrew Carney, whose efforts included a fundraising coast to coast cycle ride.
This year Southport and Birkdale Sports Club and Southport Soup Kitchen have teamed up to raise funds for Southport Soup Kitchen and for Elsie’s Story.
Fundraising events include the recent Southport Charity Ball at S&B, where Jenni Stancombe, who founded Elsie’s Story along with her husband, David, spoke about the need to support Southport Soup Kitchen.
She said: “I’d like to say a few words on behalf of Marie and the amazing work they do at Southport Soup Kitchen.
“Southport Soup Kitchen is, I believe, a true hidden gem in our community.
“It was established 20 years ago by Justin Dempster, right in the heart of Southport, on London Street.
“What started as a cafe has had to evolve over time.
“Due to increasing demand, the soup kitchen now runs as a takeaway service, so it can support more people in our community.
“Today they provide over 7,000 meals each year to people in our community.
“Buit it’s so much more than just hot meals. They provide toiletries, warm clothing, a listening ear, and just as importantly, they offer kindness, dignity and a sense of belonging.
“Marie and her team work tirelessly to support people in our community.
“Ther are no questions asked, no judgement, just people being there for others when it matters.
“They represent the very best of our Southport community. People, showing up, standing by others who need support, and making a real difference through their acts of kindness.
“Like many charities, they are facing real challenges such as rising food costs, rising energy bills, rent, and they receive no regular funding.
“Their service relies entirely on donations, fundraising, and the generosity of individuals and businesses here in Southport.
“Every single person involved is a volunteer, from the cooking, the serving of meals, the delivering of food parcels and the collecting of donations, this service simply wouldn’;t exist without them.
“Standing alongside Marie and Southport Soup Kitchen tonight really is an honour.
“This evening is about community compassion, and people coming together to make a difference, and you won’t find a better example than Marie and her team at Southport Soup Kitchen.”
Southport & Birkdale Sports Club and Southport Rugby Club are doing all they can this year to support Elsie’s Story and Southport Soup Kitchen.
While their missions differ, both organisations share a common purpose — offering care, compassion, and practical support to children, families, and vulnerable individuals when they need it most.
Both S&B and Southport Rugby Club want to achieve meaningful local impact, directing support to vulnerable people through two good causes with a very strong community connection.
Elsie’s Story is a charitable trust established in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe, a seven-year-old girl tragically killed in the Southport attack in July 2024. Founded by her family, the charity seeks to transform loss into positive change by continuing Elsie’s legacy of kindness, joy, and compassion.
The charity’s guiding mission is to “turn heartbreak into hope”.
Southport Soup Kitchen is a long-standing local charity, established around 2002, and has been supporting the community for over 20 years. It is run entirely by volunteers and has no paid staff.
The soup kitchen supports vulnerable individuals and families by providing: free hot meals and drinks, food parcels, plus essential items such as toiletries, hats and gloves.
● For more details about Elsie’s Story please visit: Elsie’s Story | Creating Smiles. Cherishing Memories. Spreading Hope.
● For more details about Southport Soup Kitchen please visit:Southport Soup Kitchen – A helping hand for those in need. Serving our community since 2002.
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