Latest news with #StanRobertson
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Rushden self-funded cafe to help homeless people prepares to open
A homeless charity is putting the final preparations in place to open a new self-funded cafe to expand its support for those in 16:15 will open the eatery in Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire, at midday on Saturday. Founder Stan Robertson, a former rough sleeper, said Cafe 16:15 has been part of his vision since the charity was created in 2017. He said funds from selling items like jacket potatoes, macaroni cheese and salads would leave the group less reliant on donations. Mr Robertson, who is recovering from a recent stroke, said it secured £20,000 in lottery funding to establish the site. "It's part of my vision to have a facility that helps funds what we do, as apposed to being totally reliant on people's donations all the time, because people can't afford it."It will serve beverages and food, Monday to Friday from 10:00 - 15:00, and will be run by volunteers. "It's not a huge space, it's big enough for us to manage, it's the next step we've wanted to do for some time." He said it can fit about 15 people inside, and 12 outside and will be free of charge for small groups to use on Saturdays. It will also be part of the Chatty Cafe Scheme, where lonely people can come for company and conversation. "There will be no fry-ups, it's not a greasy spoon," he have been set for each item, but there are "suggested donations" for some items to help people who might be struggling, he added. The charity will also still run its mobile food truck, that hands out free breakfasts to homeless people on a Sunday morning in Northampton. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
10-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Homeless charity Project 16:15 to open self-funded Rushden cafe
A homeless charity planned to open a self-funded cafe to expand its support for those in 16:15 recently secured £20,000 in lottery funding to establish a site in Rushden, Northamptonshire, and was working to open it within eight to 12 charity, founded in 2017 by former rough sleeper Stan Robertson, provides breakfast to people living on the streets across the Robertson, who will manage the cafe, said: "It's quite scary, and I'm a little bit nervous, but it's an exciting step for us as a charity and I have good faith in the team." Having experienced homelessness himself, the 56-year-old understands the "sense of worthlessness" and "lack of value" felt by many. He first ran away from home at the age of nine and spent much of his youth in care before serving time in prison before moving to Northamptonshire in Mr Robertson, supporting rough sleepers is about more than just providing food. He said: "When you're enabling someone to wake up with a hot meal and a hot drink, it warms you up. It gives people a feeling of 'I can achieve something today' and helps them engage with other services. We make them feel human again."Since launching, Project 16:15 has served 100,000 meals – which Mr Robertson described as a "huge milestone". He is now focused on expanding the service and added: "We've got the support of the head chef from the University of Northampton and other local businesses. "But we're not stopping at one cafe. We've got a lot of future plans." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
