A WhatsApp group has quietly bought tens of thousands of meals for homeless and vulnerable people across the UK using the Wetherspoon's app, offering a lifeline to those struggling with poverty and homelessness.
Carl, a former pub and hotel owner who lost everything two years ago due to rising costs, now sleeps on the beach in summer and spends winter nights in an all-night McDonald's nursing a single cup of coffee. To maintain the illusion of a normal life for his daughters, he video-calls them from a local Wetherspoon's with a meal and drink carefully positioned in shot. The meal is provided by the group, which he credits as a lifesaver.
"This group has literally been a lifesaver," he says, his voice breaking. "It means I can talk to my daughters and feel normal, like I'm part of society again."
At least 382,000 people are homeless in England, and about 14 million across the UK struggle to afford food. The group, an offshoot of the Facebook community Wetherspoon's: The Game!, has no offices, charity registration, or paid staff. It started when founder Chris Illman, who experienced homelessness himself, asked members to buy food and non-alcoholic drinks for those in need instead of drinks for each other. Nearly 700 people joined the dedicated WhatsApp group, responding in real time to requests from hungry people in Wetherspoon's pubs nationwide.
To request a meal, a homeless person or family contacts admins on the Facebook page with their location and request, along with a photo proving they are in the pub. An admin anonymises the request and sends it to the WhatsApp group of donors. A donor claims it by replying with what they will order. There are no thank-yous or chatter. The group handles a couple of requests daily, but during school holidays, 20 to 30 families may need help. When asked about limits, the community voted unanimously that if someone needs help every day, the group is there for them.
Since 2018, the group has bought tens of thousands of meals and hundreds of thousands of snacks. In June, it will hold its 60th mass meal drop in Scotland, where members buy meals in bulk through the app for collection by volunteer drivers and delivery to charities. A 2024 Liverpool event saw 300 burgers and cans donated and handed out in 20 minutes, bringing together seven charities that continue to collaborate.
Maria, a foster carer and former homeless person, donates what she can each week. "It makes a difference to feel part of a community that wants to do this for complete strangers," she said.
