Benenden Health supports St Denys Community with new kitchenette

The refurbishment allows for more social activities for those in the local area struggling to socialise in the cost-of-living crisis.

17 June 2024, by Megan Anderson.

Affordable healthcare provider Benenden Health has supported in the refurbishment of St. Denys Church Hall kitchen, as part of its 'Community Fund' programme.

The St. Denys community were awarded £1,483.98 by the local healthcare company after applying in October 2023, and have since used it to decorate, buy a new fridge freezer, new cooking utensils, a microwave, slow cooker, and portable hob.

Benenden Health's 'Community Fund' is a long-standing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative which aims to support health and wellbeing-related community projects within a 20-mile radius of its York headquarters (YO26 4GG), by providing a one-off monetary reward.

Jose Linnane, Licensed Lay Minister, and Lead Organiser for St. Denys Church Hall shared more about how the 'Community Fund' award has helped, “ST. Denys Hall is a collective group that mucks in to keep the building, and our community activities running. We cook, wash-up, share skills and ideas for the future, usually over a cup of tea and slice(s) of cake.

"However, our small kitchenette began to age. Paint was crumbling and our appliances didn't work, which meant it didn't comply with health and safety regulations. We were so lucky, and grateful to win Benenden Health's 'Community Fund' award. I admit, I was skipping with joy when I found out!

"The newly decorated kitchen has now passed all regulations, and the new appliances mean we can not only cook more food for the local community, but we can store it in our new freezer, which has already saved us so much money.

"From our weekly 'Tea 'n' Chats' we also now have 'Big Dinner Thursdays', making meals like slow-cooked Gammon joint with jacket potatoes and cauliflower cheese. We also have plenty of jelly and ice cream stored for our weekly Movie Night, too.

"Providing a hot meal, a chat and an ear to listen makes a huge difference in our community. Some people live alone, some people are really struggling with the cost-of-living, some both. With Benenden Health’s support, we can continue to grow to serve the community way into the future."

Find our more about Benenden Health's Charitable Trust, which administers the Community Fund. For more information about St. Denys Church, visit their website.