HARP receives 5 star food rating

We are thrilled to have received another 5 star food hygiene rating from the Southend Council and Environmental Health!

At HARP we recognise that food is an important part of life for all of us. We want to give people who are homeless the best possible opportunity to obtain and enjoy a healthy, varied, nourishing and enjoyable diet.

We know that good food enjoyed in a relaxed and pleasant environment is an experience that is beneficial to all aspects of our health and well-being. We are striving to make this experience available to people in our community who need these benefits most – people without a permanent home.

At our Bradbury Day Centre, local homeless people can help themselves to a hot, nutritious breakfast and lunch, use washing facilities, receive free donated clothing and access so that they have the best possible chance of overcoming homelessness for good. We help people with housing, training, skills and work, while also supporting them to address any physical and mental health problems they may have. Support services at the Bradbury Day Centre include confidence building sessions, free haircuts, medical services - including free flu jabs, counselling sessions, alcohol and substance misuse recovery groups and many more.

At HARP, we work with a number of other agencies, local authorities, community groups and the police to encourage rough sleepers to seek help, advice and accommodation. We are more than just soup and bread, we provide a one-stop shop to help those who are most vulnerable in our town.

Crucially, the food donations, food storage and kitchen service are run by community volunteers, as well as people who have used our services. This gives people a chance to play a key role in our services as well as training opportunities for people who have been homeless, marginalised or vulnerable.

Gary Turner, Service Operations Manager says: “I am delighted that our Bradbury Centre in York Road following an unannounced visit by Southend Borough Council’s Environment Health team has retained the full 5 stars under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for the third time running. We are subject to the same legislation and food safety standards as high street restaurants and other food outlets. This rating is testimony to the hard work of staff, volunteers and service users for the benefit of those we serve and strive to help.”