Founded in 1986, the Trust began as a small group offering hot drinks and a listening ear. Over the decades, it has grown into a coordinated effort of teams who serve the city every single night, rain or shine.
We work with a dedicated network of volunteer groups. Each evening, a different team heads out with food, clothing, and supplies. Some are long-standing community groups; others are businesses and churches who donate time and resources.
The Bristol Soup Run operates 365 days a year. Volunteers head out each evening, usually between 9pm and 10:15pm.
The Bristol Soup Run Trust coordinates a homeless outreach service in Bristol city centre, every night of the year. Our teams provide food, drink and other essential supplies, free of charge, to homeless people and others in need on the streets of Bristol. Our teams also help to signpost people to other sources of help in Bristol.
We seek to operate the soup run in an informal, friendly and non-judgmental manner.
Bristol Soup Run Trust is a federation of around twenty teams who operate the soup run. Some groups are large and well-resourced, often church-based, others are smaller independent groups. Some teams operate once a week, others once or twice a month. Whichever group does the Soup Run, the same locations are visited at the same times.
While some of the people we serve are homeless and will sleep outside that night, others may have accommodation of some kind. People turn up at the Soup Run for many reasons: hunger, loneliness, companionship, advice. Whatever the reason, we are not there to judge: our job is to provide food, refreshment, a sleeping-bag, a pair of socks, toiletries, advice if needed and, above all, a friendly smile and a willing ear.
The Bristol Soup Run Trust Woodlands grange, Woodlands Lane Bristol. BS32 4JY
Charity number 298819. Company number 02205600