For the past eight years, Gabriela Socol has been a driving force across Sheffield’s cultural and sustainability sectors, most notably serving as Head of Development and Training at Food Works. Drawing on those years of hands-on experience bringing people and food together, Gabi launched Hope 4 Sheffield in December 2025 as a new community organisation dedicated to uniting local residents through culture, education, music, and shared meals.
Central to this initiative is the launch of Hope 4 Sheffield’s new Social Community Café. Designed as an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming space in the heart of the neighbourhood, the café gives residents a place to gather, relax, and share good food. Alongside the café service, Gabi and her team run a varied programme of events, practical training sessions, and creative workshops. These activities encourage people from all backgrounds to connect, learn new skills, and play an active role in their local community.
One area Gabi is particularly passionate about is developing projects that celebrate Sheffield’s rich, shared heritage. She strongly believes that understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures and personal stories that have shaped our city is essential for building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. By bringing people together around food and cultural expression, Hope 4 Sheffield helps bridge gaps and build lasting local friendships.
Her work was recently spotlighted as part of ShefFood’s new Fast Food campaign, which celebrates quick, impactful grassroots projects that feed and support people across the city. As part of the campaign, Gabi delivered a five-minute talk sharing her vision at ShefFood’s summer relaunch event, highlighting how small, local efforts can create a big collective impact when joined together.
Whether you want to pop in for a coffee, attend a workshop, or help out, Hope 4 Sheffield welcomes everyone with open arms. To find out more about the Social Community Café and keep up to date with their latest events, follow Hope 4 Sheffield on Facebook.
You are invited to join the ShefFood movement alongside people like Gabi, where we are working to highlight and connect the people and communities working together in Sheffield for a better food system. Visit the ShefFood website at sheffood.org.uk.