Who we are
A local charity,
rooted in Newbury.
Newbury Soup Kitchen is a local charity providing food, practical support and care for people across Newbury and the surrounding area. We welcome anyone who needs us — no judgement, no red tape, no questions asked.
What started with a flask of soup and a few kind hearts has grown into a trusted community service that serves hot meals, offers essentials, and stands alongside people through some of life's hardest moments
2015
Founded
4-5
Sessions p/w
100%
Free to all
Dignity
Every person who walks through our doors is treated with respect — no exceptions.
Care
We lead with compassion, kindness and genuine human warmth in all we do.
Trust
We've earned our community's trust through a decade of showing up.
Community
We believe nobody should face hard times alone. We're in this together.
Practical Support
We don't just offer kind words — we offer real, practical help that makes a difference.
Hope
We hold onto hope for people when they need it most, and help them keep going.
More than just soup
Food is where it starts. The rest is what makes it matter.
A hot meal opens the door. But what happens after that — the trust, the conversation, the connection — that's where lives begin to change.
We're not here to just fill a plate. We're here to sit with someone, hear their story, and help them find the support they need — whether that's housing, healthcare, benefits, or simply knowing someone cares.
The people behind NSK
Made possible by people who care
We're a small charity with a big heart. Every meal served and every life touched is down to the people who give their time, energy and love.
Our Story
The Story of Newbury Soup Kitchen
We've grown a lot over the years — but our heart hasn't changed. Here's how we got here.
2017
Newbury Soup Kitchen begins
In January 2017, Newbury Soup Kitchen opened its doors to help meet that need. What began as a practical response to a gap in food provision was built on compassion, kindness and a determination to support people who had nowhere else to turn.
2016
A gap in local support
While volunteering at the local Foodbank, a gap was identified in local food provision for people experiencing homelessness or living in vulnerable housing. There were no services available locally on Thursdays or Saturdays.
2025
A trusted community charity
In 2025, the charity’s work received national recognition when founder Meryl Praill was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Newbury. This recognition helps shine a light on the wider work of Newbury Soup Kitchen and the local charity sector.
2017+
Growing beyond food
Over time, Newbury Soup Kitchen grew from a food provision service into a wider place of safety, dignity and practical support. The charity began helping people with essentials, outreach, health access, advocacy, partner referrals and someone to talk to.
Looking ahead
A permanent home
The long-term vision is to secure a permanent building in the centre of Newbury, bringing food, outreach, medical support, advocacy and partner services together under one roof.
Today
Recognition for local impact
Today, Newbury Soup Kitchen works with an outstanding team of volunteers and trustees to support people across Newbury and the surrounding area. The charity continues to build trust, offer practical help and help people take steps towards a better life.
His Majesty The King
Nomination for The Kings Award 2026
Results November 2026
Newbury Weekly News
Best in Business Awards Charity of the year 2024/2025
Newbury Soup Kitchen are proud to have been nominated
Newbury Town Council
Newbury Town Council Town Civic Award
Cath Hamblin has been awarded a Newbury Town Council Civic Award in recognition of her incredible service! 2026
His Majesty The King
MBE Awarded to Meryl Praill our CEO and Founder
Appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in Newbury. June 2025
Newbury Weekly News
Best in Business Awards Team of the year 2024/2025
Best in Business Awards Team of the year 2024/2025
Greenham Trust
2024 Charity of The Year & 2024 Charity for the Disadvantaged
2024 Charity of The Year & 2024 Charity for the Disadvantaged
What drives us on
Recognised for what we do
Everything we do is guided by a simple belief: that everyone deserves care, dignity and a community that shows up.
This can be quite confusing as there are several charity and not-for-profit organisations within Newbury and West Berkshire. Each have their own niche but work in synchronous harmony. You can find more on our Get Help page
What are the homeless charities in Newbury?
There is normally a group of volunteers at the Salvation Army Hall from 4:30pm each Thursday setting up. You are more than welcome to drop them off between these times. Please do not come during the open session as it is quite busy and we cannot always dedicate the time to speak with our benefactors.
Employment Plus is also located at the Salvation Army Hall and is open Thursdays between 2pm and 4:30pm. Employment Plus are happy to accept donations for us within their opening hours.
We also have collection points at the Co-op in Brummell Road Speen, Harpers Garage in Hungerford and Charmaine’s Hair and Beauty on Hambridge Road. Small items can always be dropped off at these points.
I have some product donations for you. How can I get them to you?
Questions, answered with care
Anything else you'd like to know? Just reach out — we're happy to help.