Who are we
and what do
we do?
The Bristol Soup Run Trust is a unique organisation in Britain that operates a soup run every night of the year for the homeless and others in need, in Bristol, and is a registered charity and limited company in its own right.
It was founded in 1986, and grew out of the pioneering work of Pip 'n' Jay church and Bristol Cyrenians.
Two meeting points are visited each night, and others are visited on a one to one basis in the city's central area.
Up to 60 people can benefit from our services each night. Soup and beverages, sandwiches, and other food, blankets for those sleeping rough, clothes and toiletries are distributed.
Every effort is also made in the limited time available to give basic information on accomodation, help on addiction, and day-centre facilities. Informal, friendly, non-judgemental conversation can be a positive help to those we serve. Also to some we may be the first people they have really talked to that day.
Many nightly teams are church based, others are independent in nature. Our Code of Practice states that the Soup Run must not be used as a platform for anybody's political or religious beliefs.
Most teams of volunteers operate from the boot of a car. At least three people should be in a team with at least one man. Four or five or more volunteers are strongly recommended.
Bi-monthly meetings of volunteers are held when all issues are openly discussed, and supplies given out from a central fund, though many teams are generously self-sufficient.
Volunteering
It is not possible to fit new people into established teams immediately. However there are vacancies from time to time, new teams have to be established periodically, and there is, of course, the inevitable emergency on a particular night.
If you are really keen to accept a challenge a leader will add you to a team on an introductory run. If you would like to volunteer, click here to email us or call 0117 908 7934. Any commitment is often only once monthly.