'Without this cafe I'd have to steal to survive'

Steven McKenzie believes The Open Kitchen has kept him out of jail

As he collects a hot pasta meal, Steven McKenzie admits without support he would "probably end up shoplifting again".

The 57-year-old is one of many individuals arriving at The Open Kitchen in Nottingham, which provides more than 100 free meals every day.

The "lifesaving" hot food charity in Mansfield Road not only feeds people in need but also helps users find work and even offers free haircuts.

"If it wasn't for these people I would have to steal to survive. They are the nicest people," says Mr McKenzie, from Hyson Green.

He says he suffers serious health problems which make him unemployable and his benefits have been stopped twice.

He recalled being in prison at an early age and is adamant he never wants to return.

Asked about the impact of the charity's work and where he would be without it, he said: "I would probably end up shoplifting again. I would end up locked up and back in jail."

Michael Nugent has slept rough and visits the cafe every day

Michael Nugent, 64, says he does not know where else he could get something to eat without the charity.

He uses a crutch and says he sleeps in shop doorways when he cannot find anyone to put him up for the night.

Michael has applied for personal independence payment (PIP) and higher Universal Credit and wants to get a deposit for a tenancy.

"I've never lived like this before," he said.

"Last week I was in two minds whether to pick a brick up and throw it through a shop window, just so I could go back to jail... to get a roof over my head."

Imran Khan, from Muslim Hands, is the co-ordinator of The Open Kitchen

Imran Khan, who runs The Open Kitchen, says the service is "lifesaving".

"It's not just about food, it's about talking to people, helping people get through their problems," he said.

That help ranges from finding new clothes and somewhere to sleep, to starting training courses.

He said: "We have spoken to people who are close to suicide. We have cheered them up, fed them, clothed them and listened to what their problems are.

"I have seen people put weight on. I have seen people smiling from when they first came here near breakdown point."

The cafe was set up by the Nottingham-based international aid charity Muslim Hands in response to rising food poverty in the UK.

Now, one table is used for a weekly employment drop-in service, run by the Second Chance Learning Academy.

Maria Sinclair helps with job applications and CVs and believes it is helping to reach people who are hard to engage.

The sessions have helped two men find jobs at a glass firm and a distribution warehouse.

Natalie Batchelor started volunteering to "give something back" to the cafe

Natalie Batchelor, who has also been supported by the charity, was homeless when she first walked through the doors.

"I had nothing. I was at rock bottom. I came here and they gave me a meal," she told the BBC.

"I asked if I could help because I was so grateful, if I could clean or anything. I was told to pick up a brush and just started volunteering."

Now Natalie has a full-time job at Muslim Hands and believes her future is bright.

"I just wanted to give something back," she said. "The sky's the limit."