Centre dishes out hot meals EVERY day

one thing at the same time it has always ended in disaster.

At 7pm, the doors opened and we welcomed 14 people into the centre, and they got stuck into the Indian feast.

Between courses, I managed to speak to everyone who attended and found out a little about them and their circumstances and why they decided to come along that evening.

I first of all spoke to a young man who was the same age as me.

And the 24-year-old told me that he was really struggling to make ends meet. He said: “I come here as often as I need to.

“I do it when I’m really struggling with money – places like this are great.”

Another man sat opposite him said he had been struggling a lot recently with his mental health and had been in and out of hospital. He added that the centre helped him as he was a bit strapped for cash, and it got him out the house, allowing him to engage with people as sometimes he would go days without speaking to anyone.

He said: “I really wouldn’t know what to do with myself if places like this didn’t exist. I would struggle massively. I am so grateful.”

Mohammad said: “It is so rewarding to see people sitting down and enjoying this food. I did a similar project with the Samaritans in Dundee and it was a huge success. It’s nice to also do this with my family, and show my children what it is all about.”

The team at the Hamilton Churches Drop-in Centre operates 365 days a year, and if you are interested in volunteering, check out their Facebook page.

I know I will definitely be returning. What an experience – if anyone has a few spare hours, you should get involved!