A popular Belfast business has announced that its team will be helping struggling families by providing free meals each Sunday until Christmas.
As they approach their first birthday, Gemma Austin, the owner of A Peculiar Tea, which is on University Street, said she will do all she can through her platform to support people in the current cost-of-living crisis.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Gemma said she knows that asking for help, for some, can be really challenging. She now wants to provide a safe space, which is open to all who need support.
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Having only put the message out about support they will provide, A Peculiar Tea will be helping 80 people on Sunday, many of whom are children.
"People are struggling financially and with Christmas on the horizon, everyone is under pressure with paying bills, heating homes and buying presents," Gemma added.
"I promised myself when I opened the restaurant that it would be about community, helping others and being a safe place for everyone. So we will do what we do best and try to help people who need it.
"Every Sunday from now until 18th December, we will be cooking free Sunday roast dinners for any family or individual who needs it. Absolutely free. This will run from 12 noon until 3pm at the restaurant where you can sit and have a family meal including dessert and we will try our best to make parcels of food to take home too.
"If you are attending, you must email chefgemmaaustin@gmail.com or send a message to 07842828240 to let me know you're attending and with how many people by Thursday evening at the latest. I don't want anything going to waste so I'll only be cooking for the amount I know are coming. You can attend every week or as many times as you like.
"We hope that people who have large disposable incomes won't use this as an excuse for free grub as we won't be asking any questions about those attending. We hope only people who will benefit from this will take part.
"There will be free juice available too. The bar will be closed and alcohol cannot be brought in. No social media will be used to ensure its anonymous to those who attend.
"It's not a lot but one proper meal a week can be a massive help to those who need it. It doesn't matter if you're a full time worker who's falling on some hard times or a single mother/father with children who just need a hand. Take the help that's offered, we all need it sometimes.
"If you or anyone you know might benefit from this, please get in touch via the email or phone number provided. Please let others know so we can help as many people as possible."
Gemma said she has been blown away by the response to her post on social media at the weekend. People have offered cash donations, food, and their free time to help at A Peculiar Tea.
"Everybody is aware that things aren't good at the minute," Gemma added.
"The cost-of-living crisis has affected so many people. I have always been about community and spent my whole life volunteering. When we opened the restaurant, a huge part of it was that we would give back as much as we could.
"Up until this stage we have done that. We have raised over £9,000 for mental health charities and would do a lot of charity work here. I can't stomach seeing people struggle. I literally can't do it.
"Now that I have a platform that I can use to give back, I want to do it. We are funding this from our own pockets.
"Chances are, my family and friends won't get much for Christmas this year as a result but in the grander scheme of things, that's ok. We have a responsibility to look out for each other. I pride myself on being from Northern Ireland because when it really matters, people pull together. The cost of living crisis is effecting everyone regardless of religion, sex or creed.
"Look out for your neighbour. Don't judge a person by what you can only see with your two eyes. And above all else - be kind."
For more details on how you can access support or help with this cause, email chefgemmaaustin@gmail.com or send a message to 07842828240.
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