As one of the most marginalised communities in the country, homeless and vulnerable people are often excluded from taking part in community celebrations which bring neighbours, communities, villages and towns together, such as the Coronation. However, at Big Breakfast Plus, we have turned the tide and have decorated the Pilgrim Centre, the place where the charity runs its breakfast service, with bunting and balloons creating the atmosphere that many will experience at events such as picnic in the park and street parties.
Wayne, the Big Breakfast Plus Service Co-Ordinator said: Today went brilliantly. I spoke with many of our guests young and old and they were all very grateful.
One of our younger guests remarked “Well It’s not my cup of tea. But it has started a conversation between us”. A high point was watching a one of our regular normally taciturn guests chatting warmly with all the volunteers and singing Summertime beautifully creating a splendid atmosphere
Volunteer Becky was in early to prepare all the scones with cream and jam because as she remarked this is one of our guests’ favourite treats even for breakfast. “It so lovely to seeing them tucking into all the coronation treats.”
Clegg Bamber MBE, Trustee of Big Breakfast Plus added: “It is great that the charity is able to offer a small celebration of this momentous occasion so that the homeless and vulnerable communities of Swindon feel included in the nations events.”
The decorations for the Pilgrim Centre were kindly been provided by the Swindon’ based TM Group who also sent in a team to help put them all up.
Dionne Joyce TM Group’s HR administrator said: “We were so pleased to add some value. We truly appreciated being able to help in this way. It’s great to be able to support a local Swindon Charity that brings the homeless and vulnerable community together as part of the nations’ celebrations.”
Big Breakfast Plus provides a hot breakfast, with choices, to the homeless and vulnerable community of Swindon five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday inclusive, and is led by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Over the last few months, the demand on the service has increased significantly. It is thanks to the generous people of Swindon as well as local businesses that the charity can provide this service. We are close to realising our ambition of opening seven days a week soon.