Event to publicise Brighton charity's work is "fantastic success"

The event was organised to raise awareness of Impetus’ vital work to reduce loneliness and isolation experienced by the most socially excluded in our city.

Jo Crease, chief executive of Impetus gave a speech about the charity’s work in every community in the city and how it is delivering a much-needed lifeline to people who find it difficult to access mainstream support services. Guy Lloyd, the BBC Sussex and Latest TV presenter and Impetus volunteer spoke about his work with the charity and how he visits a lonely man in the city. Another volunteer, Leila and a beneficiary of the charity, Bea, also told their story and spoke their positive relationship with the charity.

Andy Sturgeon Design sponsored the event. Great British Bake Off’s Kate Henry sponsored and supplied the catering, and Fabrica Gallery kindly let Impetus hold the event at the venue at reduced cost. Gunns Florist gave the charity floral displays to decorate the venue.

Silvia Calderoni photographed the event and Double Yolk Films filmed it - both gave their services and volunteered their time for free. Brighton’s Beleza School of Samba also provided the closing performance for the event for free in support of connecting people to reduce loneliness.

Every guest went away with a goody bag of treats supported by Pukka Herbs. There was also a raffle at the reception with Terre a Terre, The Ivy in the Lanes, Soul of the City, The Grand Brighton, Metrodeco, The Salt Rooms and Audreys Chocolates all providing prizes in kind. Preloved Brighton also made a generous donation in support of Impetus services.

Jo Crease, chief executive, Impetus, said: “The Winter Reception was a fantastic success and we’re delighted so many people and like-minded local organisations came along to learn more about Impetus’ work in the city, our plans for the future and how to support. Going forward, we are planning to help even more people across city communities who feel lonely or socially isolated because of age, disability, poor mental or physical health and life circumstances and expand services to support their needs. Thanks go to Andy Sturgeon Design and all the local businesses who provided gifts in kind and raffle prizes.”

Bea, a service user of Impetus’ Neighbourhood Care Scheme (NCS) that matches local volunteers with lonely and isolated people nearby, said: “I’ve been a member of the NCS for two years. You have people who pop in all the time, but you never really get to have a conversation with them. That’s why I like the visits I have from the NCS volunteers. I really look forward to seeing everyone who visits me from the NCS. I was honoured to speak at Impetus’ Winter Reception about how the charity supports me and improves my life.”