The project has been supported by funding from the UDECIDE participatory budgeting scheme where local residents in Aberdeen’s priority neighbourhoods have a say on how public funds are spent to help improve their community. The OTCC project also received a small supporting grant for foodstuff from the Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership.

Since starting up in March this year, Souperb is already making a big impact across the community in Torry.

“We want to do something that recognises people in our community going through difficult times by providing a warm and welcoming space,” said David Fryer, one of Old Torry Community Centre’s trustees.

“We are a friendly, safe place to come along, sit down and have some soup and a cuppa at no cost with thanks to the funding we have received.”

In partnership with CFINE, Souperb sources surplus vegetables ensuring that good, nutritious food is put to meaningful use rather than being thrown away to waste.

“We really appreciate the support – it’s brilliant to be able to run this project with and for the people of Torry and beyond.”

Kerriann Wood, also a trustee at the centre and a resident of Torry, explained: “We decided that we wanted our project to have a focus on food in order to bring the community together.”

The project received the highest number of votes in Torry through UDECIDE, a great moment of pride for those involved. Kerriann said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to know that we had been voted for by the community.

“We really appreciate the support – it’s brilliant to be able to run this project with and for the people of Torry and beyond.”

Futhermore, Souperb has created opportunities for multigenerational interaction amongst the community. Students from the nearby Lochside Academy have joined in to help with the hospitality of the project.

Amy, Chantelle, Rhianna, Eve and Paulina, students from the academy, described their experience volunteering for the first time: “We were a bit nervous to begin with but we had a great time.

“We set up the tables and chairs, served soup and bread, offered teas, coffee and juice all whilst making sure everyone was happy.

“It’s nice to get out and chat with people in the community. I think they appreciated speaking to us too and it was really good to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.

“It wasn’t just about serving people and handing them soup, it was about making actual conversation with them and having a positive impact on their day.”

It is evident that, for many of the Souperb visitors, the project provides a welcoming space to connect with others.

Through his work, Kevin is a regular in the Torry area. He said:

“It’s great to come here and chat with folk. It keeps everybody together and keeps the community together.”

“It’s great to know that the community has backed this project in Torry. It’s given them a voice to decide what they want in the community.

“It’s especially important as this opportunity may have given folk a chance to have their voice heard which they might not have otherwise had.

“Anything that brings the community together is good, isn’t it?”

David Fryer echoed this, saying: “Our doors are open to anybody who wants to come in and be part of what’s going on here in the centre.”

Souperb is open to everyone and runs every Monday, 11:30am-12:45pm, at Old Torry Community Centre.

To find out more about the community centre, visit oldtorry.org.uk

This article originally appeared in the May edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine featuring news and updates for and from the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the latest and past editions, and sign up to have it sent direct to your inbox every month at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news