CFB Community Meal – More Than Just A Winter Warm Space

“The Christmas meal was amazing, the atmosphere with the carols singers was wonderful, I didn’t want to leave!”

Warm Welcome Spaces have been springing up all over the place at churches, libraries and community spaces across the UK. Food Bank+, supported by Faithworks, have been running a variety of warm spaces and community meals over the winter. It is evident, however, that these spaces will be needed long after the winter is over.

Alistair, CEO of Faithworks, explained:?“These spaces provide much more than just warmth. They enable people to meet others in a safe place, make new friendships, find community as well as find out about local practical support.?

Our aim is for everyone to?be within 15 minutes of a place of welcome that radiates life, community, and immediate help: no one should have to walk through hard times alone! So, we’re cheering on our Food Bank+ teams who are creatively providing such places, like the community meal in Christchurch.”

Christchurch Food Bank+ (CFB+) launched their first community meal in early 2022 and have been running these every fortnight since. The airy, open space of the GodFirst Church café provides a wonderful location. Comfortable seating around the hall surrounds the tables which are laid out ready to welcome guests.?A team of 15 volunteers enable the evening to run smoothly. Some are involved in the cooking, while others warmly greet guests and get to know them throughout the evening. The atmosphere is so friendly it is difficult to tell guests from volunteers.

Sarah Lyon, CFB+ Deputy Manager, explained:?“Our Community Meal provides a delicious home cooked hot meal and dessert, in a very comfortable space at GodFirst Church. Our team of volunteers ensure that no one is on their own and everyone feels welcome. It really is a lovely atmosphere.”

Over 40 people have been attending on a regular basis with 65 coming to the Christmas meal. It has also provided a safe space for Ukrainian families settling in to the area to find community both with other Ukrainian families and others in the local community. The Ukrainian families were really keen to get involved and prepared a Ukrainian vegetarian dish; the team are now planning a full Ukrainian meal once full kitchen facilities have been completed at GodFirst Church.

With such a welcoming team and food which includes honey beef noodles, french apple pie and cream, or chicken pie followed by raspberry pavlova, it’s not hard to see why the meals are so popular. As one guest simply summed it up:?“[It was] so friendly, I felt comfortable and the food was delicious!” It is a treat for the volunteers too who enjoy the delicious food and have the pleasure of chatting to new people. One said:?“I love everything about volunteering and the supper. I feel part of something really special’

As friendships continue to form, it is clear that the Community Supper is about so much more than just hot food. Running the meal provides a safe place, where someone is always available for a chat. Sarah said:?“Having run this meal for the past year, we have seen the need for safe community spaces all year round. Summer may not be as cold however we all need community no matter what time of year.”

The Community Supper is made possible thanks to local funding sourced by Tracy Blick, CFB+ Projects Manager. A special thank you to GodFirst Church for making the team feel so welcome and to the amazing volunteers who prepare and serve the meals. They faithfully give so much of their time and energy to both the Food Bank+ and the Community Supper.