Cork's Penny Dinners announces temporary relocation for refurbishment works

Cork Penny Dinners has unveiled a new temporary facility, while its existing premises undergoes refurbishment.

The organisation, which is one of the city’s oldest charities that supports people in need, has moved around the corner from its existing site on Little Hanover St, to the Croí na Laoí Caitríona Twomey Wellness Centre on James St.

The new centre boasts extensive catering, food production and cold storage facilities, a wellness room, a training facility for up to 16 people, state of the art IT facilities, and a volunteer and staff room.

The old facility will be undergoing extensive refurbishment and in the future will reopen to resume serving those most in need.

Gary Heslin, chairperson of the board of trustees at Cork Penny Dinners said: “Investing in infrastructure to improve our services is critical.

“I have no doubt that the investments already made in James St and in the future in Little Handover St will ensure that the great work of Cork Penny Dinners continues for generations to come.

“With our new premises we can offer even more services, including training, health and wellness support, recovery meetings, mental health workshops, arts and drama classes, all of which can provide vital stepping stones, for those who need it, out of homelessness, or into employment.” 

Cork Penny Dinners volunteer and coordinator, Caitríona Twomey said: “At the heart of everything we do are the people in need that we serve, and having these additional facilities in Croí na Laoi demonstrates our commitment to servicing and supporting people in need now and into the future.

“While Little Hanover St is closing for refurbishment, to everyone coming through our door we promise the same supportive and welcoming environment they would have experienced before, where a sense of community and belonging is offered to everyone.” 

All services offered by Cork Penny Dinners are provided free of charge, seven days a week, from 9am.

For more information on Cork Penny Dinners visit www.corkpennydinners.ie.