Messy Meals at St John’s, Upper Norwood
– Welcoming families with free meals, all year round
Join us every Wednesday, 3:30–5:30 PM for Messy Meals — a free, friendly event where families of all sorts can enjoy a delicious and nutritious two-course meal together. It's a relaxed time to connect, share good food, and unwind after a busy day. Everyone is welcome!
Book your free session below. Choose a date and reserve your spot:
More than a Meal – Community, Fun & Support
Messy Meals is about more than just food. Alongside a hearty meal, there’s time for board games, friendly conversation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for company, a bit of fun, or simply a break from cooking, Messy Meals offers a safe and supportive space for families to relax and enjoy time together.
In partnership with Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), we aim to support families in our community with care and compassion. TLG is a fantastic organisation that helps children and families in need through their Make Lunch program, which provides nutritious meals and community support, especially during school holidays. Through this partnership, we’re able to offer meals every week at Messy Meals, ensuring no child goes hungry and every family feels welcome.
Come along — you’ll always find a seat at the table.
FAQs
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No, Messy Meals is for families so all children need to be accompanied by an adult, apart from our teenage volunteers
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Yes please! Booking helps us plan for the right number of children and grown-ups to cater to each week.
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Messy Meals is completely free, but we would love it if you might like to make a donation.
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Definitely! At St John’s, all children are welcome and families of all shapes and sizes have a place in our community. Please do feel free to be in touch with Fr John or Mthr Rachael about how we might help your child feel safe and welcome at Messy Meals. We are here to support you. Just let us know about any allergies when signing up for Messy Meals, and we’ll ensure a safe and suitable meal is prepared for you.
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Absolutely! Just let us know about any allergies when signing up for Messy Meals, and we’ll ensure a safe and suitable meal is prepared for you.
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We would love that! Please speak to one of the volunteer team after the session about how you can get involved.
“Messy Meals has become our go-to every Wednesday after school! The kids absolutely love catching up with friends, getting creative with colouring, and diving into board games. For us grown-ups, it’s such a treat to relax in a warm, welcoming space, and the food is genuinely delicious. It’s the perfect midweek reset for the whole family!”
Suzy
Join us every Wednesday, 3:30–5:30 PM, for Messy Meals!
📍 Location: The Community Hall at St John’s, Upper Norwood,
Sylvan Road, London SE19 2RX
Have more questions? We’re happy to help!
📧 Email: office@sjun.org.uk
📞 Phone: 020 8771 6686