Popular Garstang lunch club issues urgent appeal for more volunteer cooks

A popular Garstang lunch club is appealing for volunteer cooks to help keep putting meals on the table.

Garstang Lunch Club takes place at St Thomas Church Hall every Thursday from 11am-2pm with volunteers arriving from 9am. Run by volunteers who want to make a difference in their free time, the lunch club provides a welcoming space for around 25 local people to come together over food and friendship.  

The club is especially popular amongst older people, or those who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation. 

Royal Voluntary Service is now looking for volunteer cooks to join the team and help prepare simple, home-cooked two-course lunches. By giving just a few hours of their time, volunteers can join a friendly team who play a vital role in ensuring the lunch club continues to provide a regular opportunity for people to meet, socialise and build lasting friendships. 

Volunteering can have a positive impact on those giving their time, as well as the people receiving support. Some 88% of Royal Voluntary Service volunteers say volunteering improves their wellbeing, while almost one in three (31%) say it has made them more physically active. 

Alongside preparing food, volunteer cooks help to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where people feel connected and included, all while becoming part of a friendly local team of volunteers and building new friendships of their own. 

Carole Quinn, Community Support Coordinator at Royal Voluntary Service, said: "Our lunch club is a warm and friendly place where people across Garstang and the surrounding areas can come together over a home-cooked meal, particularly those who may be older or experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.  

"Thanks to support from players of the Postcode Lottery, we're able to continue providing this welcoming space, but it's our volunteers who bring it to life each week. Volunteer cooks are at the heart of it, creating not just delicious meals but opportunities for people to connect, build friendships and feel part of their community.

"Whether you're looking to give something back, meet new people or simply put your cooking skills to good use, we'd love to welcome you to the team." 

Thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery, Royal Voluntary Service is able to deliver and grow this vital service in Garstang and across Britain, supporting older people to stay socially connected. 

Royal Voluntary Service runs lunch clubs across Britain, supported by volunteers who help create friendly, inclusive spaces for older people to stay connected and active within their communities. 

No professional cooking or catering experience is needed to become a volunteer cook – just a passion for bringing people together through food and a few hours to spare. Full training and support are provided. 

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Garstang Lunch Club can contact Carole Quinn on 07500 605303 or by emailing [email protected].