Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

St Luke’s Community Centre, based in London, United Kingdom, has served as a vibrant hub for community engagement and support for over 135 years. Operated by the St Luke’s Parochial Trust, a registered charity (Charity No. 207553), the Centre provides a wide spectrum of services aimed at improving the lives of residents in the local EC1 area and beyond. The Centre is known for its inclusive approach, supporting people from all walks of life, with a focus on reducing isolation, improving wellbeing, and empowering individuals through education and employment initiatives.

Core Business and Mission

St Luke’s Community Centre functions as a dynamic multi-service organization, providing activities and resources tailored to local needs. It is not a commercial enterprise but a charitable organization committed to enhancing community welfare through practical support, social services, and opportunity-driven programmes. The Centre is run with a social mission to ensure every person in the community has access to necessary support and a welcoming environment.

Product and Service Offerings

St Luke’s provides a robust range of services segmented into key areas:

• Wellbeing & Support Services: These include the Wellbeing & Food Hub, community arts programmes, chiropody, nail care services, and the Women’s Multicultural Group.
• Food Initiatives: The Centre runs a professional Cookery School and community café that serve nutritious meals at affordable prices. Food distribution and emergency meal services were especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Employment and IT Support:
  • Job Club and Employment Support: Tailored help with CV writing, job applications, and interview skills.
  • Suited & Booted for Men: Provides professional clothing and coaching to unemployed men attending interviews.
  • Firm Futures: A programme supporting business start-ups and entrepreneurship.
  • PC Pals: A free IT training service teaching digital literacy.
  • Online Centre: A hub for accessing job listings, IT resources, and online training.
• Programmes for Over 55s: Includes a daily Lunch Club, Men’s Shed workshop activities, and assisted transport services.
• Children and Family Programmes: Holiday clubs, after-school activities, and family engagement events.
• Volunteer Programme: Engages over 100 volunteers annually in roles supporting every area of service delivery.

Specialisation and Core USP

St Luke’s Community Centre stands out for its integrated model of community care, uniquely combining health, employment, food, social support, and skills training under one roof. Its professional Cookery School is a distinctive feature, often used for corporate team-building and skill development. The Centre also partners with local businesses to deliver socially impactful training and events.

Financials and Funding

As of the latest public report (FY 2022):

• Total Income: £2.57 million
• Total Expenditure: £2.44 million
• Funding Sources:
  • Local authority grants
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Trusts and foundations
  • Revenue from services such as room hire, Cookery School, and the café

Notable supporters include the City Bridge Trust and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Shipments and Trade Activity

St Luke’s does not engage in international shipments or commercial exports. As a charity, its outreach is localized to Islington and surrounding boroughs. However, they have hosted international delegations and participated in global community development forums to share best practices.

Target Market

The Centre primarily serves the EC1 area in Islington but is open to individuals across greater London. It caters to:

• Low-income families
• Isolated elderly residents
• Unemployed individuals
• Ethnic minority communities
• Youth and children needing structured activities

Capabilities

• A fully equipped Cookery School with professional training capabilities
• Technology and digital learning rooms
• Onsite chiropody and health rooms
• Accessible spaces for people with disabilities
• Multipurpose event and training facilities
• Onsite café and gardens maintained with community involvement

Certifications and Compliance

• Registered Charity with the Charity Commission (No. 207553)
• OFSTED registration for children’s programmes
• Food Hygiene Rating: 5 (Highest level)
• Safeguarding Policies in place for children and vulnerable adults
• GDPR compliant data management

Customer Testimonials

“A lifeline for so many people in the area. Whether it’s the job club or the food hub, there is always something here that uplifts you.”
— Volunteer Feedback, 2023 Annual Report

“Thanks to St Luke’s, I gained the confidence and skills to start my own business.”
— Firm Futures Participant, 2022

“The cookery school is not just about food—it brings people together, teaches real skills, and provides joy.”
— Corporate Team-building Client

Major Achievements

• Distributed over 22,000 emergency meals during the COVID-19 lockdowns
• Hosted more than 5,000 community sessions annually, pre-pandemic
• Recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021
• Delivered £150,000 worth of pro bono training through partnerships in 2022
• Received consistent 5-star reviews on Google for facilities and programmes

St Luke’s Community Centre continues to be a cornerstone for inclusive development, promoting dignity, skill-building, and connectedness in London’s vibrant EC1 community.