n ADVERTISING FEATURE St. Mary’s Church, Fishponds celebrates 15 years of Saturday Lunches

FREE lunches for all have been in place, based at St Mary’s Church in Fishponds, Bristol, for over 15 years. Initially held monthly, within a couple of years this became fortnightly. Attendance varied over this period with a decrease in attendance at times partly to the increase in Food Banks within the area.

In September 2021, following an increase in volunteer numbers the service moved to a weekly provision. This saw a Saturday Lunch relaunch; confident it could manage two additional days each month and any increase in attendance.

With increasing costs around purchasing of food and heating there were concerns it could be threatened, at a time when we were aware that such a warm and free space to eat would be required and welcomed by more people. With this in mind, we also wanted to tell more people about Saturday Lunches.

In 2022 we were blessed with funding through the Frome Vale Community grants scheme for the six-month period, October to the end of March this year. With further funding now being made available through the

Quartet Community Foundation, as well as other church charities this will provide for the lunches into 2023.

We thank Fishponds Voice for helping to promote the service further through this article.

We have steadily seen an increase in attendance to around 28 people each week, with the capacity to expand further.

The lunch provision includes soup, rolls with a range of fillings, biscuits, cakes, tea and coffee provided in a warm place within the Church. Most people want to sit with others, but we also provide food to take away when requested.

We have a Children’s play space in Church which families find useful.

The atmosphere is always upbeat as those who attend enjoy the company of others. And its great to be able to thank all those who have volunteered on the Saturday Lunch Team over 15 years in Fishponds.

We know that the lunches are important to the people who come. Older people say that it reduces their isolation, as well as providing hot food in a warm safe place, particularly in the winter. Adults living alone in Hostels and supported community accommodation, and occasionally Homeless, welcome most the feeling of inclusion and care – along with the provision of food. For families, the provision of food has always been an important element.

People say from those who attend.

‘It’s been a life saver, having somewhere to go on a Saturday and feeling cared for.’

‘I have made new friends here and now feel less isolated’.

‘Living on your own, particularly having lost your partner can be very lonely, its good to get out’.

‘I enjoy the banter and having a laugh’.

‘It’s a meal that I haven’t had to find the money for’.

Please do come along and meet us, we welcome everyone and would be pleased to meet you.

St Marys Saturday Lunch Team

Are you a passionate, empathetic, hardworking person, who likes to make a difference in children’s lives, if so, we have exciting opportunities to work at our rapidly expanding Special School in a variety of roles.

Briarwood is a Bristol Special School, based in Fishponds and Barton Hill, committed to providing a high quality of education, care and life skills for children and young people with severe learning difficulties and complex needs including autism and sensory impairment from 3-19 years.

Temporary HR administrator required, term time only, 37 hours/week (negotiable), until 21st July 2023, please contact HR for more details.

Please visit our careers page on www.eteach.com/schools/briarwood-school-25106 or contact us via emal on HR.briarwoodsp@bristol-schools.uk

We have a shortage of foster carers and need more people in Bristol to come forward. Please help us keep local children close to their schools and communities.

Get in touch with us to find out what support, training and benefits we offer our amazing foster carers.

Foster with Bristol City Council and make a difference.

0117 353 4200 www.bristol.gov.uk/foster