In the run up to Christmas BUCFP organised several celebration events, including a Christmas Lunch, a Christmas Party for families and children and an outing to South East Dance Studio for the children in the Playroom.
All events were a real success, lots of fun, laughter, food, presents, games and festive cheer!
We asked the people present what did they like about BUCFP and what difference it has made to them, and here are some of the comments we collected on the day of the Christmas Lunch:
· I used to come to BUCFP to study English, to get help with computer, to enjoy the company of these lovely people. About 10 months ago I started to volunteer in the kitchen and I really enjoy working in the kitchen. BUCFP helped me during and after lockdown when I was feeling lonely. Many thanks for the nice bread I get every time I come here.
· Really good nut roast J
· Friendly helpful people. Nice atmosphere and good food. Really good Christmas roast J
· I’ve been coming to the centre for the last 20 years. I’ve always felt welcome and taken care of. Both my children have been given fantastic opportunities via the crèche and we love coming for Xmas!! Thanks guys!! Much love x
· I too have been coming, since 2003! It’s always been an invaluable place for social connections .I was homeless initially and I don’t know what I would have done without the centre…so welcoming, warm, friendly staff… I even volunteered in the crèche for 1 year, and felt able to participate! A place giving love and care!
· Food, support, company and help
· BUCFP has easily been the most beneficial service for me and I have experienced many. Often it provides the healthiest meal of my week. Yoga (after medication) has been the most helpful activity for my mental health! I made a birdwatching buddy here and we have visited many nature reserves together all across Sussex. We have been friends for 5+ years. Thank you BUCFP
· Well well, it is so cool to meet friends and the IT room is great. We always have a great great Xmas party once a year, and we have cooked meal too. The centre has been funded since 1982. Still going strong today.
· BUCFP has supported me through a very challenging period, which I am very grateful for. Best wishes for Xmas and next year.
· BUCFP has helped me a lot, they have been really supportive to me. Help me through some hard times. I really appreciate everything you have done for me.
· It has made a great difference my Christmas has been amazing thank you ever so much. Friends, Family, Happy Christmas to All. You have brought great happiness to many people at Christmas, brought friends together from all walks of life. I am so glad I came. I have not had a Christmas in so long since people have laughed smiled and enjoyed each other’s company. The staff and all the help are amazing, the food excellent. I couldn’t have wished for a greater Christmas. May you live long and prosper and your children still believe in Santa Clause. God Bless Love.
· The Delicious Meals
· The variety of people mixing together, the friendliness of everyone
· Christmas dinner was delicious and as always a lovely time enjoyed by all. BUCFP has always been part of my life since my daughter used to attend the playgroup. And now my grandson and granddaughter have come here too. Over the years BUCFP has always been here for yoga classes, lunch, good company, lovely people where everyone is made welcome. Long may BUCFP continue. Big thangs for all the centre provides.
· The community and the people. The support from the team. The relaxed atmosphere.
· I love BUCFP because of the people. It offers me connection which I miss it since I came in England. Always return with pleasure here.
· Lovely people, lovely inclusive community, supportive and kind
· It was a source of comfort and security, kindness and generosity when I first moved to Brighton on my own in 2012.
· The place has helped me with forms that I couldn’t fill out and got results. I definitely wouldn’t be in the amazing place I’m in if not for BUCFP