By Tessa Larcher and Irish Goff
Dr Mahamad Hashi is co-founder of Brixton Soup Kitchen, a charity that helps the homeless and people in need by providing food donations. He took part in the Hungry London event at London Metropolitan University alongside colleague Solomon Smith, talking about the hard work they do for the community.
Founded in 2013 , the purpose of the Soup Kitchen is to offer a friendly environment where people can build their self-confidence and get access to a better lifestyle, by giving them proper prepared meals. They also provide legal help, if required, relying solely on donations and volunteers.
Brixton Soup Kitchen has managed to serve over 25,000 meals in London since the pandemic began. They also serve hot drinks and sandwiches to rough sleepers, both in Brixton and beyond.
First elected Somali Councillor
Dr Hashi’s involvement in the community, for which he has won many awards, made him become the first elected Somali Councillor in Lambeth, representing Stockwell Ward. He also recently won the national LGIU Councillors’ Achievement Awards. In 2016, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy by London Metropolitan University.
“I was elected in 2018, I became the first Somalian counsellor in Lambeth, with my background over the last 20 years working in the community. I’ve been able to bring that on the table to discuss about policies and the decisions made,” Dr Hashi said.
Recognised for his devoted work, South London Press awarded him with the ‘Our Hero’s Award’. He has been featured in many publications, and won a coveted place on the Independent on Sunday’s Happy 100 list. He also made the Evening Standard’s top 1000 influential Londoners in 2015, 2016 and 2019.
He advocates asking people what they need, instead of just providing blanket handouts. “People had been struggling and surviving successfully all this time, and they try to limit them to your perception of what they need. When they’re there you can just ask them their opinion, you can seek advice on what they really need,” he said.
Facing Covid head-on
Despite the obstacles created by the Covid-19 pandemic since 2020, Dr Hashi said the Brixton Soup Kitchen has kept up their services by facilitating food for people, making deliveries and more.
He always was motivated to get involved in fixing community issues and needs, which made him a figurehead for his community. Besides giving food, his organisation aims to support any people in need or those who are considered vulnerable.
“That government is so out of touch with people who have real issues,” he said. “It’s really important that we take control of our lives at this point. We’ve seen through Covid how the government has a lot of disregard for us.”
To donate or volunteer to the Brixton Soup Kitchen, please see https://brixtonsoupkitchen.org/get-involved.
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