A small community café in Nelson has become a powerful example of how consistent support and human connection can change lives. For many people facing homelessness, addiction, or mental health struggles, daily stability can feel impossible to maintain.
Yet the volunteer-run café Curry on the Street has quietly helped thousands of individuals find warmth, food, and encouragement. One story in particular highlights the impact of that work—a homeless mother who rebuilt her life and kept custody of her son with the help of the café’s community.
For decades, Curry on the Street has provided hot meals and emotional support to vulnerable people. The café has served nearly 60,000 meals, offering more than food. It provides a welcoming place where individuals can sit, talk, and receive help without judgment.
As recognition for its long-standing efforts, the organization has been selected to receive a donation from Comic Relief ahead of Red Nose Day, supporting the café’s continued mission.
A Difficult Past and a New Beginning
Sionne, now 39 years old, spent years dealing with homelessness and addiction. Her life changed when she began volunteering at Curry on the Street while still living on the streets. That decision marked the beginning of a long process of recovery and stability.
During that period, Sionne became pregnant. The situation brought both hope and fear. In the past, addiction had led to the loss of custody of her first two children in Scotland. Because of that history, the possibility of losing another child weighed heavily on her.
The first person she turned to for guidance was James Foy, the café’s manager. According to Sionne, his response made a lasting difference.
She recalled his words clearly:
“James said to me ‘listen even if you didn’t manage to succeed the first time, you don’t give up — I’ll be here for you, I’ll support you through thick and thin’.”
That promise of support became a turning point. Sionne described Foy as someone who carried his responsibility beyond the workplace.
“He’s gone over and above what anybody in any type of centre I would have imagined would have done, James was the person who believed in me.”
A Proud Mother and a Stable Life
Years later, Sionne’s situation looks very different. She has now celebrated two years sober from alcohol and drugs, and she is raising her one-year-old son, JJ. The pair currently live together while preparing to start a new chapter in Scotland, Sionne’s native home.
Motherhood brought a deep sense of pride. Speaking about her son, she explained how unexpected the moment feels.
“I would have never thought I’d be able to have [JJ] in my care — I would have been one of those people who you’d want to keep your child away from because of the risk I imposed.”
Life now revolves around routine and community. Sionne volunteers at the café every day, continuing to help the same place that once supported her. Each morning before leaving home, JJ even calls the café manager.
According to Sionne, her son rings “Uncle James” every morning before they head out.
She hopes to keep volunteering long-term so her son grows up seeing the value of helping others.
A Café Built on Human Connection
Curry on the Street operates with a small team of about six cooks each day, many of whom volunteer their time. One of them is Keeley, who has worked in the kitchen for the past two years.
Keeley first came into contact with the café while going through her own difficult period. She visited the center to donate a bag of her husband’s clothes while she was on sick leave and out of work. During that visit, she experienced the support the café offered to people struggling with life circumstances.
She explained the range of help provided through the center.
“They help anybody who needs it — whether that’s addiction or mental health.”
The organization offers several forms of assistance, including emotional support, essential supply bags, food parcels, and outreach efforts in Burnley that distribute sleeping bags to people living outside.
Keeley’s experience eventually led her to volunteer in the kitchen, where she has been preparing meals for the community for the past two years.
A Safe Space Without Judgment
Founded in 2019, Curry on the Street operates with a simple goal: improve the lives of people who walk through its doors. The café sells food to members of the local community, helping fund operations. At the same time, homeless individuals and children receive meals free of charge.
The space also offers clothing and practical support in what volunteers describe as a stigma-free environment. Instead of treating visitors as charity cases, the café focuses on dignity and belonging.
Manager James Foy believes the relaxed setting encourages conversation and connection.
“The space allows customers to sit, have a chat, a brew or a meal.”
He also emphasizes that background or circumstance does not matter.
“We have all types of people, from different backgrounds, it doesn’t matter who you are, or what you are, it doesn’t matter — we accept everyone coming through the door.”
The upcoming Comic Relief donation will help the café purchase new furniture and additional food supplies, strengthening its ability to serve the community.
Curry on the Street shows how a consistent, welcoming environment can influence lives that seem stuck in hardship. Nearly 60,000 meals represent far more than food—they reflect conversations, encouragement, and second chances.
Sionne’s journey from homelessness and addiction to sobriety and motherhood stands as one example of what steady support can achieve. Through volunteers, daily meals, and open doors, the Nelson café continues to provide stability for people searching for a way forward.