Bishop Rose met members of the congregation, volunteers and visitors to the Friday Breakfast Club as well as having an opportunity to discuss how communities respond to homelessness with the Rough Sleeper Team from Swale Borough Council and Porchlight (see photo and names Steve). The Bishop was keen to know how different groups, including the Church, can work in partnership to support families and individuals before they reach crisis point.
The Ignite Friday Breakfast Club began its life as an emergency response to homelessness a year ago, and while the numbers of people who are street homeless has dramatically reduced in Sittingbourne, many continue to visit on Friday's for support. Moving forward, there remains emergency provision for anyone who is homeless but also offers support with job hunting, housing, health and well-being. The Ignite team always cook up a storm and were able to show first hand the work they do with welcome, love, friendship and a good meal! (there's also a photo of the Bishop sitting with a few of us and a young man called Alex).
Bishop Rose also met with members of the congregation and encouraged them in all they do together in Sittingbourne, before joining everyone for cake and scones, heart shaped, given the date.