Community Meal, a weekly meal service offered at Fortitude Valley by Wesley Mission Brisbane, has welcomed new coordinator Angela King to the program.

The service provides people with a three course, sit-down meal every Wednesday and the kitchen regularly serves 60 -70 people.

Angela says the meal aims to assist disadvantaged and homeless people, many of whom face the challenges of social isolation.

"We encourage anyone to sit down and eat together so people can talk to each other and you can find out about their lives," Angela says.

She said many of the clients have experienced particular life challenges that have contributed to their disadvantage. The most common causes are addiction and mental health issues.

Angela said Community Meal sets itself apart from other services, as it not only provides people with a meal but also social interaction and support.

"We want our clients to treat it like it’s their home and enjoy being in (a homely) atmosphere where they can sit down and be served a warm meal.

"A lot of the other services are simply getting a pie on the side of the road," she said.

There are 15 volunteers who help with Community Meal each week which includes plating dishes and serving tables, and they usually work on a fortnightly basis. Angela said the service can always use more volunteers.

"If we have more volunteers on hand we encourage them to sit down, eat and talk to people; sometimes what our clients need is just a friendly face to speak to."

Angela says that, where appropriate, the meal puts clients in touch with other community services within the Wesley Mission Brisbane and Uniting Church network.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with Community Meal, please call Reverend Dan Skippen on 3031 3029.