Sikh charity opens Wolverhampton kitchen for Guru Nanak anniversary

Charity organiser Hardeep Grewal said the kitchen would provide hot meals for the community

A charity has opened its first food kitchen to mark the 554th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

More than 50 people attended the event, organised by the Sant Ashram trust at its community centre in Park Village, Wolverhampton, on Monday.

The kitchen will provide hot meals for people including those on the street and those at risk of homelessness.

The charity's Hardeep Grewal said it was rewarding to help people in need.

"We are going about Guru Nanak's teachings, Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Vand Chhako, which means live honestly, be humble and share your earnings," she said.

Guru Nanak is considered to be the first Sikh Guru and was born in India in 1469.

His teachings are expressed through devotional hymns, many of which still survive today.

Alison said the help from the community meant a lot to her

Alison, who lives near the Sant Ashram community centre, said it was brilliant to receive a free hot meal from the kitchen.

"It just shows that there is humanity out there, I'd be lost if it wasn't for the little community around here," she said.

She added that coping with the cost of living was "tough and horrible" but getting help from the community meant a lot to her.

Mandeep Dhaliwal said the kitchen aimed to help people get through the colder months

Mandeep Dhaliwal, a volunteer at the food kitchen, said the service aimed to help people in any way possible to survive the winter.

Sant Ashram has worked with other Wolverhampton charities like P3 to engage with service users and provide food parcels to people.

The charity also invites low income families to attend the kitchen and provides hot food to the elderly to tackle loneliness.