Social worker helps people at Soup Kitchen breakfasts

From about 7.15am, Monday to Thursday, the social worker greets guests at the Compassion Soup Kitchen, checking in on how they’re doing and offering a hand where it’s needed.

This social worker knows what it’s like to be without a place to call home and to be alone, and that experience shapes how he operates.

The role is to back the soup kitchen mahi in whatever way is needed, from washing dishes and handing out takeaway meals, to the most important job of all: being present. That might mean friendship and company, helping someone settle when they’re distressed or giving practical help.

Guests come to the soup kitchen carrying worries about housing, health, Work and Income engagement, legal matters and the everyday pressures of getting by. Often what begins as a simple chat becomes a chance to listen and build trust.

From there, the social worker can walk alongside guests, help them understand their options, link them with community services and advocate for them.

Sam Johnson, Compassion Soup Kitchen manager, said: “It’s great to have Catholic Social Services based here in our building and working alongside us at the soup kitchen. Having their social worker . . . support our breakfast means they can build genuine relationships with our whānau, connect people with other support agencies and help build a welcoming environment.”

The Catholic Social Services Annual Appeal runs from November 1-30. It asks for community support so Catholic Social Services can continue supporting people and their whānau who need help.

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WelCom October 2026 (Archdiocese of Wellington)