Making merry is a key part of this time of year! And Bede House certainly knows how to throw a party. On Friday 5 December, the staff and friends of Bede came together at the Bede Centre in Bermondsey SE16 to enjoy some great Christmas food, sell some goods for the charity and to have fun. The four projects that Bede runs were all well in evidence
- Learning Disabilities Services
- Starfish Domestic Violence and Hate Crime
- Youth Adventure
- Community Engagement
A charity serving t
he SE16 area for over 75 years, Bede House continues to work with some of the most vulnerable people to help them overcome hardships and reach their full potential. In a borough in which 30% of children under 16 live in poverty, Bede Youth Adventure helps build confidence and creative talent for young people aged 11 to 19. Domestic violence and hate crime destroys lives and can leave victims with years of feeling unsafe and unworthy; Starfish specialises in working with women who are facing complex situations including child protection issues, mental health problems, housing or immigration status. When faced by people with autism or Downs Syndrome, many turn away but those who come to the Bede Centre get an opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and help other people, building confidence and self-worth for a more independent life. Bede takes a leading role in the Big Local South Bermondsey Partnership which is working to bring new opportunities to five disadvantaged estates along the Old Kent Road.
The Party was lively and fun with a real sense of respect for people’s differences and a willingness to work alongside each other with good humour and tolerance. The atmosphere was alive with laughter and smiles were all around. What was not denied was the hard lives of many with whom Bede works and the effort needed by them to face up to overcoming that hardship. We wish the staff and friends of Bede a very merry Christmas and hope they will be able to continue working with us for many years to come.
You can find out more about Bede House at their website. They have recently produced this excellent short video with our neighbours the Arch Climbing Wall in the Biscuit Factory, Clements Road SE16. You can friend Bede House on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. Of course they are often dependent on the kind gifts and sponsorship of individuals and local firms; if you want to donate or sponsor Bede House, you can find them on JustGiving
The team behind his website will be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period. We wish our readers the very best for a restful and restorative festive season and hope that when we return in the New Year, we will see everyone return reinvigorated and alive to the potential of our wonderful community here in SE16. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
