On Sunday 4th February 2018, 85 people from our befriending programme came together for a lunch party at Easton Community Centre in Bristol.
Each family brought a dish and we shared a wealth of delicious food and salads from a variety of nations, followed by traditional English trifle and Arabic baklava. It was a beautiful mix of great food and fantastic people, mingling and having fun and taking the opportunity to get to know each other, support each other, share stories on how things are going adapting to life in UK, and allowing the children to run, laugh and make playdough sculptures together. Some of our local befriending volunteers came, giving the families a chance to practise their English and feel connected to the local community.
One participant asked if we could eat lunch together every week, and others thanked us for the chance to get together and chat in a relaxed atmosphere. One volunteer commented that it's 'really nice to meet lots of new people and see some of the same families again', and another noted how happy everyone is when they can eat together!
I'm sure it won't be long before we get together for another meal - who can resist such amazing food and wonderful company?!