Wellbeing is priority at union cafe

Eat well and feel well at the Students Union Wellbeing Cafe

Good food and a sense of wellbeing have come together in a major new project from the University of Sheffield Students' Union.

The Wellbeing Cafe, being held at the View Deli Cafe in the Students’ Union building at Western Bank, aims to bring the two social issues of wellbeing and sustainability together to provide a communal space with a pay as you feel meal, made from food that would have otherwise have been wasted.

And alongside good food - prepared by volunteers who greet and serve guests, there are also mindfulness activities, questions to prompt conversation and games.

“Working with Foodhall and the Real Junkfood Project, two pioneering pay as you feel cafes in the city, Wellbeing Cafe aims to situate the Students’ Union holistically in a city in which such issues and projects are already being worked on,” said Students’ Union development officer Michael Kind, who initiated the project along with SU welfare officer Anna Mullaney.

“It is hoped that the cafe will offer a place for people to come together in a community - in turn addressing issues of isolation, mental ill-health, homesickness and more.”

A series of trial events last term were all attended by more than 100 guests.

Michael added: “We’re delighted that the Wellbeing Cafe is proving popular. It means more people can use the space for their wellbeing and we can continue to foster a sense of community among those attending, while taking people out of a food system premised on waste.”

The cafe will be open every Monday evening during term time, from 6pm to 8pm at the View Deli Cafe in the Students’ Union building at Western Bank.

n It is British Pie Week, and the taste of a Henderson’s soaked pie is heading to supermarkets.

Three Yorkshire food companies, Henderson’s, Jones Pies of Huddersfield and caterers The Proper Pasty Group of Sheffield, have teamed up to create the Proper Steak & Henderson’s Pie.

It is available now in delicatessens and independent retailers, with a supermarket roll-out planned soon.

n This Saturday, beer lovers can tour the city’s ‘smallest’ commercial brewery, acclaimed pubs and the history of two lost local breweries in a special walk. Meet at 11am at Regather Works 57-59 Club Garden Road S11 8BU for the walk led by Brian Holmshaw of www.sheafvalleyheritage.co.uk for @sheffbeerweek. Book places through Eventbrite. Information from Brian on 07845 265547.