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3 nominations from readers

• The Beef Kitchen was established in July of 2005 as a mobile catering business managed and staffed by former homeless ex-Servicemen who are residents of the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation and financed with the help of the Foundation and several of its supporters. Their goal was to establish a business that could help to support the Foundation’s aims, which include assisting homeless and disabled ex-Service personnel to live independently, by providing employment experience. The Beef Kitchen provides Sunday lunch to other disabled residents to enhance a sense of community, and provides food for special events that the Foundation holds. It also operates a superior mobile catering business for football fans from a licensed pitch on the grounds of the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation, adjacent to Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC. Three years after it began, the Beef Kitchen has now fed some 20,000 football fans, provided training and work experience to 25 former homeless ex-Servicemen and is now due to take this successful business model and set-up a commercially viable café by Putney Bridge. Advice and training for this venture is supported by the Royal British legion and Training for Life, who will run an apprenticeship scheme from the café when it opens in May 2008.

  Nominated by Katie Truss, 14 March 2008

• homeless ex-servicemen

  Nominated by Nick Charnock, 07 April 2008

• Other charities offer this general service but Beef kitchen works around a servicveman's ethos and helps them enter a support group thatgeniuinely works.

  The real reason why this award should go to Beef Kitchen is that the operation actually works.

  Nominated by Yoby Greville, 08 April 2008

56 comments from readers

• I support this nomination as not only is it providing a service to the community but it is also giving training and a back to work experience to our residents' whose initiative this really successful business was. As an ex-serviceman myself, I applaud their endeavour and support the nominaion wholeheartedly.

  Submitted by christopher wolverson, 14 March 2008

• The Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation unites two aspects of UK life for which the country should be ashamed; the way we treat our ex-servicemen and women and the provision of affordable housing for vulnerable members of our society.

  The Beef Kitchen is a wonderful demonstration that with just a little help from us, people who (generally through no fault of their own) have become dependent do not just regain their independence but can make a real contribution to society.

  I strongly endorse this nomination and hope that The Beef Kitchen will prove to be winners (again).

  Submitted by Toby Davies, 17 March 2008

• I strongly support this nomination as I meet many ex-servicemen in my work as a SSAFA Caseworker. This low tech activity ideally suits people with energy and enthusiasm, but requiring direction and assistance.

  To have accommodation through the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation and work and training at The Beef Kitchen puts these ex-servicemen in a strong position to become totally independent, build confidence and seek a life on their own.

  I strongly support this very worthwhile enterprise.

  Submitted by Norman Tench, 17 March 2008

• Fantastic news that such a wonderful initiative is being recognised. I wholly support this venture and the nomination as recognition for all the hard work of the team at the Foundation in developing a successful and viable social enterprise that enables former homeless ex-Service personnel back into the community and into employment. Another feather in the cap of an organisation punching way above its weight. Well done to the Bob and the team!

  Submitted by James Ward, 18 March 2008

• I wholeheartedly support this very worthwhile endeavour. It allows those who have served their country and now suffer from unfortunate circumstances to reintegrate into society by providing a service to others. We do not do enough in this country to show our gratitude to former service personnel and this project is a splendid way of allowing some of them to regain their self respect and enhance a sense of community. I hope that this project goes from strength to strength and gains the widespread recognition that it clearly deserves.

  Submitted by Ian Chisholm, 18 March 2008

• This is a very worth while enterprise which deserves maximum support.

  Ex-servicemen and women are not always provided with the support they need when their active service is terminated for any reason.

  It is often up to voluntary organizations to provide this support and Beef Kitchen is certainly doing this job in a very commendable way.

  Submitted by Bill Hercus, 18 March 2008

• My attention has recently been drawn to this excellent initiative which provides less fortunate ex-Service people with a degree of independence and a real sense of purpose.

  The Beef Kitchen endeavour has my full support and I commend its nomination for this year's New Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year Award.

  Submitted by Len McKee, 18 March 2008

• As a resident of The Royal Star & Garter Home for disabled ex-Servicemen and Servicewomen, I give my wholehearted support to the nomination of The Beef Kitchen for this 2008 award.

  It is essential for the morale of those who have served their country in the past and are now spending the rest of their years in care, to recognise that they are still helping others to a better life and thus setting a great example to us all.

  Submitted by Hugh Eccles, 18 March 2008

• I support this nomination as not only is it providing a service to the community but it is also giving training and a back to work experience to the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation residents'. The work and training at The Beef Kitchen puts these ex-servicemen in a strong position to become totally independent, build confidence and seek a life on their own. I applaud their endeavour and support the nomination wholeheartedly.

  Submitted by Mike Norris, 18 March 2008

• There is no finer way of serving mankind than from the hand of those who were willing to serve their country, and who paid heavily: the ex-servicemen who are now finding an easier fight from The Beef Kitchen are to be commended for their new battle plan. Feed the hungry with a smile and win at every event. I fully support this all encompassing nomination and hope it every future success.

  Submitted by Bryn Wayt, 18 March 2008

• Recent media coverage has shown that at a time when our Servicemen are paying a very heavy price in Iraq and Afghanistan, the recognition and support they subsequently receive at home can fall woefully short of the mark. The Beef Kitchen initiative provides a great opportunity for some of these selfless people to regain some respect and confidence, and to look forward to a meaningful life again. I support this nomination strongly and encourage others to do so.

  Submitted by John Horrocks, 18 March 2008

• As a nation, certainly compared to our American cousins, we fail to show to those who have served before the colours the gratitude which they deserve. Support for the Beef Kitchen project goes some small way to redress this inbalance, and gives those directly involved a chance to regain their self-confidence and pride - and to look forward to the years ahead of them with an element of meaningful hope.

  Together with the Help for Heroes scheme, this initiative has so much to commend it.

  Submitted by Colin Pomeroy, 18 March 2008

• I strongly support this nomination, which recognises the excellent practical work done by the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation to help those who have suffered as a result of serving their country. Despite recent publicity they are still a forgotten part of society. The Beef Kitchen deserves the award.

  Submitted by Bill Tyack, 18 March 2008

• As an ex serviceman I would fully endorse any organisation that will help the more unfortunate ex military personnel. With many of our men and women laying down their lives every day in the modern battlefield, some of the seriously injured who, not by choice, will be forced to rely on such an organisation as The Beef Kitchen, I heartily endorse the proposal to recommend it as a strong candidate to succeed in the Sir Arthur Stoll foundation competition.

  Submitted by Colin hughes, 18 March 2008

• It is time our society recognised the debt we all owe to service men and women who risk their lives in the course of their duty. Far too many of them have received massive physical and mental injuries only to be discarded with a derisory pay-off. They need the chance to rebuild their lives and we need to make this possible. The Beef Kitchen is an admirable scheme which deserves support of every kind. It should also be widely and thoughtfully publicised to encourage the founding of similar projects throughout the UK.

  Submitted by Robin Phipps, 18 March 2008

• As a soon to be ex-serviceman I applaud this enterprising initiative to develop skills whilst providing a worthwhile service.

  People may, at certain stage of their lives need the assistance of charities; however, if they are to rejoin mainstream society they also need a mechanism to build or maintain their self esteem. For me this project encompasses all that is good about entrepreneurial charitable assistance. I hope their success will spur other clones as I personally see them as worthy winners in the competition.

  Submitted by Chaz Counter, 18 March 2008

• The Beef Kitchen is a shining example of social goals turning into good business. Created and staffed by ex-servicemen who have found themselves in the past in truly hopeless predicaments, the Beef Kitchen provides a way back into work, confidence and respect. The Beef Kitchen's commercial success should shortly lead to greater projects. Seeing is believing, so go to www.youtube.com\oswaldstoll There is the Edge Upstarts winner.

  Submitted by Rollo Duckworth, 18 March 2008

• The Beef Kitchen is a worthy nomination for the Newstatesman Edge Upstarts award 2008. It not only provides a service to the community but gives exservicemen who have fallen on hard times a sense of pride in their achievement and a meaningful work ethic for the future.

  I strongly support this great example of enterprise and hope The Beef Kitchen has every success in the future.

  Submitted by David Sames, 19 March 2008

• At a time when the service and self sacrifice of the armed forces recieve less recoginition than is due to them, an enterprise such as The Beef Kitchen, offering training, employment and self respect to ex-servicemen who are in need, deserves particular support. I wholeheartedly, therefore, support the nomination of The Beef Kitchen for the 2008 Edge Upstarts awards.

  Submitted by Andy Collins, 19 March 2008

• One cannot imagine a more worthwhile contribution to the welfare of needy ex-servicemen than that made by the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation in the Beef Kitchen project; both for the trainees, and for those subsequently gaining the benefit of their work. I strongly support this nomination.

  Submitted by George Bowyer, 19 March 2008

• As explained in the comments above, there is undoubtedly a social need for organisations like the Oswald Stoll Foundation. The Beef Kitchen project provides practical hands-on training for trainees allowing them to integrate more easily back in to society, as well as the prospect of providing financial support to the Foundation and its wider social support roles.

  I support the nomination most strongly.

  Submitted by Ivan Childs, 19 March 2008

• This is wonderful project and I would strongly support this nomination.

  Submitted by Alex Price, 19 March 2008

• This project carries my strongest endorsement. As an ex-serviceman and now as Chief Executive of a major Charitable Trust with support to the military as one of its primary aims, I applaud this marvellous initiative. The Beef Kitchen is an excellent example of ex-servicemen and women helping themselves and their homeless and disabled colleagues at a time of real need, albeit with a helping hand from others. The Beef Kitchen organizers, cooks, servers, cleaning staff and funders and supporters, and particulalrly the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation, are showing what can be done and that people care about the current plight of some of our ex-servicemen and women. Moreover, what better way can there be to demonstrate that some are willing to get off their backsides and do something about it - bravo!

  Submitted by Bob Joseph, 20 March 2008

• This is a splendid initiative to support some of the most deserving people in our society. The project deserves wide recognition and encouragement. The enterprise has my strongest support for this year's New Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year Award.

  Submitted by Sir John Harris, 20 March 2008

• Giving homeless people the chance to work and find their feet again is a fantastic initiative. To then have these people help other disable residents is brilliant! I wholeheartedly support this idea and wish it and its participants every success.

  Submitted by Richard, 20 March 2008

• The Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation is a charity that houses and supports disabled ex-servicemen and women. One of their ventures is to help their tenants to live independently and they have helped a group of them start a catering business called The Beef Kitchen. This worthy enterprise has been nominated for this year's New Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year Award.

  It is not only a tremendously worthy cause but also it would be a great boost to the volunteers in the Foundation if the Beef Kitchen were to win their category.

  Submitted by Les Morgan, 21 March 2008

• I fully support the nomination of the Beef Kitchen for this year's New Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year Award.

  As an ex-serviceman I know how important it is that work of a worthwhile nature is undertaken by those who leave the services, especially those who are diabled or disadvantaged. It gives a them a role & a pride in what they are doing, and helps them to move forward again.

  Good luck with the project & the Award.

  Submitted by Matt Wright, 23 March 2008

• As an organization, The Beef Kitchen, looks after ex-service personnel in their time of need and looks to fill a gap in the way this nation supports the men and women of its armed forces once their service is over.

  As an ex-serviceman now actively involved in the Air Training Corps, I know that many of the cadets enter the Armed Forces and whilst we hope the worst will not happen, it does. The Beef Kitchen is just the sort of organization to which survivors in need should be, and are, directed. That they then go on to help others in a similar situation is an added bonus.

  I strongly endorse this nomination for The Beef Kitchen as The new Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year

  Submitted by Bob Hall, 24 March 2008

• As a former commander-in-chief and the UK's commander in the 2003 Iraq war, I wholeheartedly endorse the Beef Kitchen in the way it supports our highly-valued former Service personnel. Others have drawn the parallel between the way in which veterans are treated in the UK by comparison with those in the US. Schemes such as this therefore fulfill a very important role in filling the gaps in looking after the interests of this important segment of society. The Beef Kitchen is an impressive example of a scheme that nurtures confidence and self-esteem in a way that does not patronise but rewards determination and effort. I strongly recommend the initiative for the New Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year Award.

  Submitted by Sir Brian Burridge, 01 April 2008

• I strongly endorse this nomination.

  Anything that allows people the opportunity to regain their self respect and drive can only be a force for good.

  Good luck and keep up the excellent work.

  Submitted by Alastair Poulain, 07 April 2008

• I fully support this nomination. I have been fortunate enough to watch the beef kitchen grow and, on the way, not only to deal with the normal issues faced by small businesses, but those additional burdens faced by not for profit organisations that are trying to meet a higher goal. The beef kitchen will provide support, training and, above all, opportunties for people who, after serving their Country, often find it difficult to cope with the demands that society places on them. I strong recommend this initiative.

  Submitted by Tim Simmonds, 07 April 2008

• A bit like Jamie Oliver's '15' i guess, where the emphasis is not on just getting back in society but rediscovering real pride in a viable, successful business.

  Go for it!

  Submitted by Mark Riley, 07 April 2008

• The Beef Kitchen is a long over due offer of help to ex service people who have given themselves whole heartedly for the benefit of the citizens of this nation and now require a small amount of help themselves. Not surprisingly it is ex servicemen who have set it up and run it, looking after their own where public services' have not. This I thoroughly applaud and support although it should leave the MOD and other Govt/ charitable organisations embarrassed.

  Submitted by Simon Pearson -Miles, 07 April 2008

• This is an excellent project which I 100% support. Support to servicemen and women who have served our country should never be overlooked.

  Submitted by Guy Benn, 07 April 2008

• I strongly endorse the nomination for The Beef Kitchen as The new Statesman Social Enterprise of the Year. The Beef Kitchen represents what is achievable by former homeless ex-Servicemen when they are given proper encouragement and support by organisations like the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation.

  Submitted by Hugh Briscoe, 07 April 2008

• This is an excellent project which I totally support. Support to servicemen and women who have served our country should never be overlooked.

  Anything that allows people the opportunity to regain their self respect and drive can only be a force for good.

  Submitted by Mark Grayson, 07 April 2008

• This is such a worthwhile initiative which I throughly endorse.

  Submitted by Richard Sunderland, 07 April 2008

• The Beef Kitchen is a great idea that has been extremely successful from the outset. The Pryors Bank Cafe continues this success and could be the model for other future projects that will help turn more lives around for the better.

  It is well known that a large number of homeless people are ex-servicemen - SOSF and the Beef Kitchen represent the very best in current efforts to deal with this phenomenum.

  I fully support this nomination.

  Submitted by Harry Wynne-Williams, 07 April 2008

• A Force for Good and an Example to many.

  Submitted by Will Pike, 07 April 2008

• This is a perfect ladder to help those whom we have badly neglected step back up into society. I am sure that independant recognition of the cafe would have a huge positive effect and I fully endorse its nomination.

  Submitted by James Tetlow, 07 April 2008

• An inspired idea that wins my nomination.

  Submitted by Giles Andreews, 08 April 2008

• I have had the privilege of working with British servicemen and women in Afghanistan. What they see and do, not just for Britain but for Afghanistan, is something that cannot be easily comprehended. Projects such as this cafe help these ex-serviceman and women continue to live and work as they have the right to do. I fully endorse this nomination.

  Submitted by Rachel Edis, 08 April 2008

• This is a great idea that gives ex-servicemen, who have fallen on hard times the opportunity to use their initiative and feel a sense of pride in what they do again. As an ex-serviceman who has been lucky enough not to need the services of the SOSF I thoroughly endorse this therapeutic enterprise.

  Submitted by Philip Brain, 08 April 2008

• Superb Project, Great People. Wholeheartedly Deserved Nomination.

  Submitted by Ben Tanner, 08 April 2008

• While the major charities for ex-servicemen do splendid work on a national scale, it is these small groups that are so important because of the personal attention they give to disabled servicemen. I am delighted to support this nomination.

  Submitted by Norman Bonnor, 09 April 2008

• I strongly support this nomination. Excellent work which shows us all what can be achieved.

  Submitted by Stuart Seymour, 09 April 2008

• On a day when an ex-serviceman is in the news for murdering family members while suffering the effects of his service to the Country; an initiative such as this, helping those ex-servicemen who have fallen on hard times, deserves recognition.

  I fully support this nomination.

  Submitted by Nigel Priest, 09 April 2008

• Beef Kitchen provides an excellent service especially for less fortunate ex-servicemen. I strongly endorse their nomination for the award.

  Submitted by Brian Speed, 11 April 2008

• What a great project; I wholeheartedly support this excellent nomination.

  Submitted by Tom Copinger-Symes, 11 April 2008

• This is an excellent project that thoroughly deserves our support. The individuals whom the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation seeks to help have all served their country, and it is shameful that there is so little official assistance available to them when they fall on hard times. The Beef Kitchen project clearly demonstrates what can be achieved by highly motivated and hard working individuals once they are provided with a relatively small amount of support.

  Well done!

  Submitted by David Foster, 11 April 2008

• when ever I go to Chelsea to see a game the beef kitchen is the first place I go too its a place you always feel welcome good food recomended keep up the good work lads

  Submitted by alan talbot, 11 April 2008

• Having spent the last 3 months in and around an American Marine Base and socalising with many US veterans I saw first hand how they are treated, with pride and respect in what they have done for their Country and are acknowledged at many public funtions, and in many places given discounts and even admitted free to some tourist venues. We in the UK must support any organisation that helps UK veterans, I fully support this nomination and I will certainly be stopping by when I am next down South.

  Submitted by Eddie Pratt, 12 April 2008

• I second every positive above and as a friend of The Beef Kitchen and of the longevity movement, can personally guarantee that the health of the consumer is major priority also. How wonderful to have such a globally good English service right here in London. THIS is the sort of project that makes us proud to be English!

  Submitted by Elizabeth Robillard, 13 April 2008

• I fully endorse this very positive and worthwhile project that actually tackles a major problem for ex service personnel.

  Submitted by Damian McNamara, 14 April 2008

• This is a wonderful example of what can be done for ex servicemen who need our help and have been sadly let down time and againg by their political employers. I fully endorse and support The Beef Kitchen and all it stands for!

  Submitted by Clive Posselt, 15 April 2008

• The beef kitchen is an excellent example of how adversity can be turned into opportunity. Well done to Bob and his team for setting it up, making it successful and for creating an initiative that provides opportunity for others.

  Acknowledgement should also go to Rick Brunwin (Chief Exec) for believing in and supporting Bob and his team.

  Submitted by Peter Bodley-Scott, 08 May 2008