Supporting older residents with warm spaces and healthy meals

Residents in East London were shown how to prepare healthy and low-cost meals at home, after one of L&Q’s Major Works investment programme (MWIP) partners, Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS), launched a healthy soup-making initiative.

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

As part of the MWIP, L&Q and its delivery partners are committed to delivering social impact alongside improvement works in residents’ homes and communities.

The first session, which was held on February 4, 2026, 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, participants prepared fresh leek and potato soup in the centre’s 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.

When the Major Works investment programme started, L&Q included social value it in contracts with partners.

Social value is now one of six targets within the programme and is led by L&Q’s Foundation, supported by its Community Development Leads who understand the needs of residents.

More investment is planned over the programme’s remaining twelve years.

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said:

“This is a great initiative, showcasing exactly why social value is such a fundamental part of the Major Works investment programme.

“Residents having that support, and a warm place to go, at Parkside Community Centre is really important.

“It’s great to see another example of partnership within the programme leading to real life benefits for residents, above and beyond those within their homes.”

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.”