At Christmas, Pembroke Soup invites just one special charity that is doing some remarkable work and this Christmas, ‘Get the Boys A Lift’ was the one to come along.

A well-attended Pembroke Soup in December was delighted to welcome Emily and Ben from ‘Get the boys a lift’. Ben explained that the project began with a group of friends hitch-hiking to raise funds to do something to support people who were desperately in need of counselling. Ben explained that there can be a long wait to receive counselling from mental health agencies - too late for one of their friends who had sadly taken his life. From that beginning, which gave the title to the project ‘Get the boys a lift’ they have established a coffee shop combined with and clothes retail outlet, to raise money to pay for counsellors. Over 340 people - men and women over 17 years old have received counselling. The coffee shop on Dew Street, Haverfordwest, not only provides excellent coffee but also a welcome place to sit and be made welcome.

Ben had been attracted to work with the project by the way it offers immediate and ongoing support to those who need help; a way that can be more sustaining in preventing recurrence of previous feelings of desperation.

The project has a coffee van which may have been spotted at Freshwater West during the summer. It is currently out supporting ‘park runs’ in Colby Woodland Garden on a Saturday morning. Ben said that the project is really eager that people know about them - both as supporters and as users. The coffee van gives them that extra visibility.

The project not only received £180 from Pembroke Soup, but with bringing along their coffee van, ‘Get the Boys a Lift’ were able to supply and sell their lovely and coffee and cake during the morning.

Pembroke Soup supports community projects. The delicious soups are homemade and donated by a team of soup makers; the bread is donated by the local “Long Meadow bakery” on Pembroke Main Street. All proceeds from the £5 door entry goes to those community groups on the day who are seeking a small immediate grant.

Next Pembroke Soup event is Pembroke cawl competition and will be held on Saturday, March 11, 12 noon to 1.30pm at Pembroke Town Hall when it hopes to welcome ‘Homeless Pembrokeshire’, ‘The Welsh Ukulele Project- Hopefuls’, ‘Cruse’ and more.