A FESTIVE lunch was held to connect police officers and staff with members of the community this Christmas.
Around 25 people joined officers and staff for the get-together at an event in Bromsgrove including people from assisted living, refugees and victims of fraud.
Language barriers were overcome with Google translate while others who felt alone at this time of year were brought together. Others, who might not otherwise have tucked into a turkey dinner, got the chance to do so.
A Caribbean curry was also served up which made some feel ‘they were back in their mum’s kitchen’ and others took food back to share with neighbours unable to leave their homes.
All the food was supplied by local stores and brought through the Police Community Fund.
A second event was also held in the evening for young people who are either carers, recently suffered bereavements or had additional needs. Attendees enjoyed making crafts, party food and took home selection boxes and gifts donated by local stores.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service representatives also attended, giving out lots of safety advice and making appointments to visit some of the attendees.
Insp Liz Warner, who helped organise the lunch, said: “Christmas Connections is a campaign West Mercia Police are supporting to bring communities – some of whom are lonely or feel vulnerable – together at this festive time of year and connections were truly made.
“One group commented it was lovely to see police officers in a different context and to be able to chat to us at an even level over the lunch.
“People even asked if we were doing it again next year which we hope to, and all left over food when to the Maggs Day Centre in Redditch, so nothing was wasted.”
The lunch was held in partnership with Recovery United Network (RUN) – a North Worcestershire-based group supporting people of colour who are survivors of domestic abuse.
The inclusive Christmas lunches offer a warm, welcoming space, a hot, multicultural meal (eg Caribbean and South Asian cuisine), crafting sessions and live music from local women within the ‘Females About Music’ group.
These events provide a safe space for individuals to connect with others and be signposted to ongoing support networks.
