Supporting older residents in Ilford with warm spaces and healthy meals

Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) recently launched a healthy soup‑making initiative at a community space in East London. This formed part of MSPS’ commitment to providing social value through L&Q’s Major Works investment programme.

After upgrading the lounge and fitting two brand-new kitchens at Parkside Community Centre, in Ilford, MSPS and L&Q saw an opportunity to run practical healthy eating workshops, helping residents build confidence in preparing nutritious, low-cost meals at home.

The first session welcomed 25 members of the Sunshine Club, a social group for older residents that meets regularly to enjoy activities, friendship, and support. Among them was a resident who had recently celebrated their 100th birthday. Together, they prepared fresh leek and potato soup in the refurbished kitchen.

MSPS also contributed a £300 donation of kitchen equipment and utensils over the Christmas period to get the kitchens up and running. Their contractor, POLO PAINTERS, also helped by sanding and repainting nine tables in the lounge.

The upgraded space now provides elderly and vulnerable residents with a safe, comfortable environment to stay warm, enjoy hot meals, reduce energy use at home, and socialise during the colder months.

Arjun Ghosh, Social Value Officer, Morgan Sindall Property Services, said:

“The soup making sessions are a simple but powerful way to bring people together. You could see how much confidence residents gained just by preparing a healthy meal side by side.

“The warm hub and the new kitchen facilities have transformed the centre into a space where older residents feel supported, connected, and valued, especially during the colder months. It’s a great example of what can happen when we work with partners like L&Q to invest in the heart of the community.”