Basingstoke volunteers cook hot meals for homeless people

Basingstoke Seva Group was established in June 2025 by members of Basingstoke’s Sikh and Hindu communities, bringing together volunteers who wanted to help people in need.

The group has 14 members, with a core team volunteering and cooking meals for people using the Camrose Centre one Sunday a month.

Madhu Panu, the trustee of the Sikh Society, said: “We are a group of volunteers that are happy to help with whatever needs to be done to support the homeless. It’s a really nice thing to be able to do.

Madhu Panue, Chas Sangha, Marc from the Camrose Centre, Binda Sangha and Davinder Singh (Image: Basingstoke Seva)

“It’s not an easy life. If we can do anything to help them, it’s a great thing to be able to do.”

On the last Sunday of the month, Basingstoke Seva assemble at Carnival Hall to cook the food which is transported to the Camrose Centre.

On September 27, the group made curries, naan, rice and chocolate bakes for the centre.

Davinder Singh, Madhu Panue, Binda Sangha, and Chas Sangha (Image: Basingstoke Seva)

At the heart of the group is the concept of ‘seva’ which means selfless service.

Madhu said: “Seva is universal, anything anyone can do to help people that are less fortunate.

“It’s all very much about sharing the wealth that you have, look after those that are less fortunate than yourself, that is seva, that is service.”

The prepared food ready to be taken to the Camrose Centre (Image: Basingstoke Seva)

The group also supports Basingstoke's night shelter when it operates during the colder months from November, providing food on Sunday evenings.