Soul Food Connections was born from Paul Simpson’s desire to make a big difference in the community.
He trained at the Birmingham College of Food, worked in many restaurants and later care homes.
He has faced challenges in life and believes his faith in God has helped him overcome them.
Paul is dyslexic and left school with no qualifications. He also experienced homelessness at times in his life.
Now, Paul is on a mission to help others through food.
Food events and a new cafe
In 2023, he first started hosting food evenings at the River Church before it evolved into the charity which it is now.
These donation-only monthly events have been at St Giles Church in recent times.
Paul has also opened a cafe at 61-63 Elgin High Street in partnership with Quarriers Arrows Service.
Paul has his late mum to thank for both his cooking skills and his drive to help others.
Paul said: ” My mum taught me everything I know in the kitchen.
“When she was literally on her deathbed recently, she was inspiring me and always reminded me how I could help people and don’t be selfish.
“Her words still drive me on.”
He added: “I am here to serve the community.
“The Elgin Church of God originally set me up with the budget to secure the St. Giles Church venue and assisted us with donations.
“Then it snowballed from there and the events allow people to relax and connect.
“Of course, it is great to serve lots of people, but if we can touch just one heart, that matters even more.
“You never know what someone is going through.
“The connections part is just natural for me because I love cooking, helping people, and serving others. ”
Aim of the cafe
He wants the cafe to be a place where people can socialise and get affordable decent food.
Paul said: “The cafe has prices lower than the average to ensure it is accessible.
“That’s why I have also introduced a “pay it forward” system.
“Someone with a few extra pounds might buy an additional meal, and we’ll have a list of pre-paid meals available for those in need.
“We are not limiting options and if someone genuinely can’t afford it, we won’t turn them away.
“Also, we want people to be able to socialise with others.
What does the future hold for the charity?
So what next for Soul Food Connections?
Paul said: “We will also continue our monthly events, held on the last Friday of every month.
“Moving forward, we’ll see how things progress.
He added: “Quarriers Arrows Service has been incredibly supportive, giving me the building to use freely.
“As we grow, we might expand the cafe into other days.
“However, we want to maintain integrity and continue to serve those who really need it.”
Importance of his faith
For Paul, his faith is important in what he is doing.
He grew up in a strong Christian family – but spent years searching before finding his way back.
Paul said: “Jesus called me and never left me—he just waited.
“He has opened many doors for me and helped me through challenges.
“As a Christian, the vision for the charity was placed inside me by God.
“We see this as a non-invasive form of evangelisation.
“We don’t push religion onto people, but if someone wants prayer or needs to talk, we are there for them.”
Opening hours of cafe and details about next food evening
The likes of Cinemalist, Box Brand and Elgin Community Church of God have supported the charity.
The Soul Food Connections Cafe is open on Mondays from 9–10.30am and 1–4pm, and on Saturdays from 9–10.30am and 1.15–6pm.
It is run by Paul and a team of volunteers.
Meanwhile, the next food evening is an international curry night on April 25 at 61-63 High Street from 6pm to 10pm.
Conversation