We’re proud to have supported Ark‑T in Oxford with a £2,000 grant to help deliver their Community Lunches project.
Ark‑T is a charity based in Cowley, an area with high levels of deprivation. They run a community centre at The Venue, which is owned by GSA. Ark-T work to enhance mental health and wellbeing through free creative programmes, supporting around 3,000 people each year.
Their approach is inclusive, non‑judgemental and accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds. Many attendees are living with dementia, disabilities or homelessness, and rely on the centre as a safe place to connect with others.
The Community Lunches take place once a month, offering hot meals on a ‘pay-as-you-feel’ basis with the option to donate towards the cost and help others who are less able to pay. Partly due to the cost-of-living crisis, half of meals in 2024 were provided without any donation, which has put a financial strain on the centre.
Alongside the lunches are free creative activities led by professional artists, such as clay marbling, music and improvisation workshops. The sessions provide stimulation, entertainment and meaningful conversation — as well as a warm, friendly space for people who may otherwise feel isolated. Attendees at the centre have reported improved wellbeing, confidence, new skills and a stronger peer support network.
Although Community Lunches are open to all, they are particularly promoted to elderly or disabled people, including those living at our six nearby housing schemes;
Tony Lorenzo, Centre Manager at Ark-T, said:
“The Venue is a vital part of life for many in the OX4 community. East Oxford is home to some of the most deprived communities in the UK, so our free support programmes are truly a lifeline for many GSA residents.
“We not only host events and services but also hire out our spaces to community groups to help sustain the work we do. Many of our visitors say it feels like another room of their home.”
Our £2,000 funding will help towards catering costs, professional workshop facilitators, refreshments, staff and administrative support to run a few community lunches.
The grant follows a successful application to our Community Impact Fund, an initiative designed to support GSA customers and improve local communities. Grants of up to £2,000 per year are available to resident groups, community projects and local charities, with a focus on health and wellbeing, the environment, or life and employment skills.
The fund is made possible thanks to generous social value donations from some of our suppliers.
Find out more about our Community Investment Fund here.
