A genuine place to belong
1 February 2026 Hits:0
MORE than 200 people walk through the doors of Matt’s Place in Cheltenham and Chelsea each week. Some come for a warm meal, others for connection — and many for both.
In 2025, 55 guests shared their experiences through our Matt’s Place Guest Survey. Alongside the positive impact of the program, guests were honest about what is burdening them.
Many spoke of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, including rising food prices, rent, utilities, and medical expenses. For some, these financial stresses are compounded by social isolation, declining mental health, and limited support networks.
Against this backdrop, Matt’s Place plays a critical role. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents said the program helped reduce food-related stress, while 96 per cent reported feeling more socially connected and less isolated. Guests described Matt’s Place as a safe, welcoming space where dignity is respected and people feel seen.
As one guest shared, “It’s not just the food. It’s knowing someone cares.”
The survey reminds us that while many in our community are carrying heavy burdens, small acts of care — a shared meal, a conversation, a place to belong — can make a meaningful difference.
