Community Soup

Henley is an incredible place but there is a deep misconception that everyone is wealthy and on the contrary I’m sure most people reading this will agree that is not the case. Absolutely we live in a beautiful area and there any many high net worth individuals living here but there are also lots of people who have ‘high debt worth’; for example, families that have chosen to mortgage or rent high so that their children can grow up in this fabulous place.

We have a shocking percentage of children living under the poverty line and whom go to school hungry. Whilst the numbers might not be comparable to inner city schools and many, many other areas in the country, the point is that we should feel responsible for our neighbours and our community and do what we can to help the people we can.

So collectively let’s collaborate to make sure there isn’t a single child going to school hungry in Henley and our surrounding villages. Let’s check in on our elderly neighbours who we haven’t seen for a few days and spend that extra 5 minutes talking to them, and let’s remember that a big house doesn’t always mean wealth, it could just mean a bigger debt and higher heating bills, and given how fragile life can be, a job loss, or illness can change a person’s life overnight.

On 27th January 2024 we are launching ‘Community Soup’ and we will be opening this to everyone in our local community. We want this to be a monthly event and a safe place for anyone to come and share some food and conversation. We want everyone to feel equal when they walk through the door and want it to become a vehicle to encourage ‘Community Chat’. We are but a big ‘soup’ of people and that is what makes a community. Please come and get to know your neighbours. Imagine how many small conversations that could be ignited, creating a ripple effect of small actions, meaning that our community is already a better place when we leave the event – what a movement we could create!