Tue 22 Sep 2026, 9:00
Glentoran Social Partnership supported Team HAVEN’s Belfast city centre outreach service last night, providing food and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness, vulnerability and food poverty.
Glentoran defender Jarlath O’Rourke joined volunteers from the Partnership at Team HAVEN’s feeding station in Bridge Street, helping to serve 106 hot meals funded by Glentoran Social Partnership and prepared with assistance from Wilson Catering.
The outreach also provided 80 sandwich packs, 90 snack packs, traybakes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water and woolly hats.
The traybakes were donated by Robyn’s Sweet Boutique and Glentoran Social Partnership, while Lynas Foodservice on Montgomery Road provided additional bottles of water.
Two volunteers from Cregagh Sports Club also helped serve throughout the evening, while Westbourne provided the use of its kitchen to support the preparation of the meals.
Team HAVEN, which stands for Homelessness and Vulnerability Ends Now, is a voluntary community organisation supporting people across Belfast and the surrounding areas.
Its volunteers operate a feeding station in Belfast city centre six nights each week, providing hot food and drinks alongside practical assistance, conversation and a welcoming place for people who may have nowhere else to turn.
Glentoran Social Partnership volunteers have supported the service on several previous occasions, helping Team HAVEN prepare and distribute food at its city centre tables.
Colin Jess, Chairperson of Glentoran Football Club, said: “Team HAVEN’s volunteers are in Belfast city centre six nights every week, offering food, practical help and compassion to people facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
“Their work is about much more than serving a meal. It is about taking the time to listen and ensuring every person who visits their tables is treated with dignity, kindness and respect.
“We were proud to stand alongside them again last night and to fund 106 hot meals, as well as providing sandwich packs, snack packs and other essential items.
“It was also fantastic to see Jarlath giving his time and helping the volunteers serve throughout the evening. His involvement reflects the genuine commitment across our Club to supporting the communities around us.
“Our sincere thanks go to Wilson Catering, Westbourne, Lynas Foodservice, Robyn’s Sweet Boutique and the volunteers from Cregagh Sports Club for helping make the evening possible.
“I also want to thank every volunteer from Glentoran Social Partnership and Team HAVEN who gave their time to help others. They represent the very best of our community.”
The initiative forms part of Glentoran Social Partnership’s wider community programme, which provides practical support to individuals and families across East Belfast and beyond.
Engaging more than 3,500 people each year and generating an estimated £2.9 million in annual social value, the Partnership works alongside schools, charities and community organisations to tackle food poverty, promote inclusion and improve lives.
Its work was recognised with the Club Community Initiative of the Year award at the 2025 NIFL Football Awards and the Community Impact Award at the 2024 EastSide Awards.
