GENEROUS customers are being given the chance to give something back to homeless people at a new cafe.

The Stock Pot, in Tonge Moor Road, has its own Pay It Forward board which allows people to buy for a second meal when they eat breakfast or lunch which is saved up for someone later in the day.

Laura Stock, who runs the eatery, said she had been inspired to implement the scheme after seeing it at in action at a coffee shop nearby.

“It’s all down to the generosity and kindness of all the people who come here,” she said.

“I was trying to come up with ideas to help the community after we had launched and I think I saw it done in a coffee shop but I just thought it was a really nice idea.

“People really want to help out but we can only do it through people who do contribute”

The Bolton News:

Ms Stock opened the cafe, close to the junction with Stone Street, in March and says she has been impressed with the kindness of people who visit.

She also works with Jamilah Rashid, who is a member of staff at Bolton-based charity Hope 4 Homeless, which has its own shop also on Tonge Moor Road.

The organisation is dedicated to helping homeless people in Manchester and Bolton and works with local eateries to offer food for people who need it.

Ms Rashid praised the work of Stock Pot and thanked everyone who had offered support.

“This place has been a huge help,” she said.

“Normally, if they can go somewhere and get given food then they get pizzas or burgers or chips but here they can have a proper breakfast.”

She went on to explain how the Hope 4 Homeless staff help homeless people by providing somewhere to get off the street during the day.

The Bolton News:

She said: “It’s a safe place for them to come, they will stay there all day. If it’s raining they can come in and get dry.”

In addition to paying for someone else’s meal, residents often bring food into the cafe or donate it to Hope 4 Homeless.

As a result, the staff at the cafe are also planning an afternoon of work in which they use some of that food to cook up dinner for homeless people.

Help 4 Homeless tries to provide essentials for the people who are living on the streets.

Anyone interested in getting into contact to offer donations or volunteer can call 07504 727051 or email info@hope4homeless.co.uk.

The Stock Pot is open any time between Monday and Friday from 8am until 3pm, and on Saturday from 10am until 3pm.

For more information on future events, visit: www.facebook.com/TheStockPot2019/.