A week before the March 2020 lockdown, James started working as a head chef and received accommodation from his employer. He moved in and gave up his previous place to stay. However, when pubs closed due to Boris’s declaration, his employer refused to give him a work contract for the position. This left him with no home, no furlough, and most importantly, no choice but to live on the street. He faced difficulties getting support from his local council because he wasn’t considered a vulnerable adult at the time. Luckily, an old landlord showed compassion and allowed him to move into her flat without requiring a deposit.

Soon, the kindness of his community became evident. Someone from a local care shop posted on Facebook, leading to donations of food, furniture, clothing, bedding, and more. The local food bank also provided him with a weekly delivery of essentials like cans of beans and pasta. However, the abundance of these donations became overwhelming as he struggled to efficiently make use of everything he received.

Sadly, this experience took a toll on James’ mental health, leading to a relapse into depression and severe anxiety, causing complete hopelessness and a lack of desire to continue living.

With recovery in his mind, both he and his social care team suggested he try to keep his mind active… Since then, James has fought hard and now, he is pursuing two degrees with the Open University. He began to think if there was a better way to help others.

Over the course of a year and a half, he developed a plan. His goal was to create an online platform, either as an app or a website, where less fortunate individuals facing similar challenges could connect with generous people willing to help them. The main idea was to reduce waste while making the most of the available resources. He also believed that creating a user-friendly guide on benefits programs, along with community support, could be beneficial.

As this idea took root in his mind, he contemplated how he could bring about positive change in the community. That’s when the concept of the “Superhero Kitchen Classroom on Wheels” was born.

He is actively looking for others to join him on this mission and work together to empower young people in the UK, making them more informed consumers and ultimately reducing both food poverty and food waste.

He is seeking funding from the National Lottery and other sources to purchase and convert an American school bus into the base for his concept, “Young Food Waste Superheroes.”

Will you help James on his mission, with support (a kind/positive word or two), mentaly by providing him with additional health support or equipment, spiritually with a prayer or with a donation (Food or Money) or offer to join him and become a trustee or volunteer?

If you want to know more use the button below to talk to James.