Lunch Positive celebrated their seventh anniversary with a picnic in Dorset Gardens on Saturday, June 11. Friends and supporters from other LGBT and HIV organisations joined Lunch Positive volunteers and clients in sharing wonderful food prepared by Lunch Positive volunteers.
Friends and supporters from other LGBT and HIV organisations joined Lunch Positive volunteers and clients sharing wonderful food prepared by Lunch Positive volunteers.
Officials present included The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Pete West, Green Convener Cllr Phelim Mac Cafferty and Queens Park Councillors Adrian Morris and Daniel Chapman.
Phelim said: “I was delighted to be a part of Lunch Positive’s 7th birthday at the weekend. Lunch Positive is a truly remarkable organisation that provides support and healthy, nutritious food. Although they work throughout the year through rain and shine to provide a nutritious hot meal once a week for people with HIV, they are much more than that. They provide a listening ear, company, guidance, a place to stop and breathe.
“Healthy food is so important for people who aren’t well, and the lunches provide a valuable opportunity for people who might otherwise feel isolated to come together. Gary Pargeter and his team of staff and volunteers work so incredibly hard to provide a vital service which is open, friendly and welcoming to all. It’s a shining example that challenges the stigma of HIV and works to build a strong sense of community for people who are HIV+”.
Gary Pargeter, Service Manager, said: “Everyone who uses the lunch club and volunteers at Lunch Positive are so grateful for the support we receive from all corners of the community, and it was fantastic to celebrate our 7th birthday together. 120 friends and supporters visited during the day. It is so encouraging to know that the wider community values the need for community groups to provide wide ranging social, emotional and practical support to people with HIV. Our volunteers are inspirational, highly motivated and extremely caring people, all to the benefit of the people they come into contact with. Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate these things with us.”
Every Friday Lunch Positive offer a healthy, enjoyable meal and a safe, supportive space for all people living with and affected by HIV.
They open from midday for tea or coffee and a chat, and from 1 o’clock they serve a healthy starter, main course, vegetarian option and dessert.
You’re welcome to go along any time during opening hours – and there’s no need to ‘book’ ahead.
For more information about Lunch Positive, click here:
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