Located in the heart of Brent’s neighborhood is the Bridge Park Community and Leisure Centre. This is the home of Sufra’s new Community Wellbeing Project, featuring a Community Shop, Café, and Kitchen. This initiative serves as a catalyst for bringing people together, fostering local connections, and providing much-needed support to its members. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of this exceptional project and explore its profound impact on enriching lives within the community.

A Warm and Inviting Experience

Imagine stepping into a welcoming space filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee, delectable pastries, and homemade meals. That’s precisely what awaits you at Sufra’s Community Wellbeing Project in Bridge Park. With its inviting atmosphere, this establishment has become a beloved gathering spot for individuals of all ages to connect, socialize, and savour freshly prepared meals.

The Community Shop

The Community Shop is a lifeline for its members, offering invaluable support. Dedicated volunteers from diverse backgrounds ensure that the supermarket is stocked with a fantastic selection of fruits, vegetables, organic foods, and essential supplies. From everyday necessities like flour and sugar to locally sourced surplus produce, the shelves brim with a delightful array of high-quality products. Shopping here not only provides financial support to members but also allows them to access top-notch produce.

“I feel like there are people who care and I feel looked after. My mental health has improved and my physical health has improved because of all the fresh fruit and veg”

Project Member – 2023

The Community Café

The café area provides a cosy and inviting space for individuals to relax and reconnect with family and friends. With a menu featuring an array of beverages and snacks, it’s the perfect spot for Sufra’s members to relish freshly prepared meals and enjoy leisurely afternoons. From aromatic coffee and specialty teas to mouth-watering sandwiches and nourishing soups, the café caters to diverse palates. The Café is free to project members and also serves the general public at an affordable cost.

The Community Kitchen

A shining feature of the Community Wellbeing Project is its communal kitchen, where dedicated volunteers and Sufra’s Head Chef, Jasvinder Singh (Jas) collaborate in preparing freshly made meals. The kitchen often showcases culinary delights from various countries, embracing cultural diversity and celebrating special occasions. From a Persian-inspired meal during Norooz to indulging in England’s favourite dishes to mark the King’s Coronation, the kitchen creates memorable experiences through food.

“Support provided specifically by Yusuf has been commendable. I was so scared and nervous, embarrassed and not wanting to be a part of this project but now I’m so glad to be a part of it”

Community Member – 2023

 

“[The Project] has impacted my life to a very positive extent, the project has been a life saver for my personally, its given me hope which I was not aware existed previously”

Community Member – 2023

Community Engagement

The Community Wellbeing Project places community engagement at the forefront of its mission. The Community Shop, Café, and Kitchen serve as dynamic catalysts for forging social connections and nurturing a sense of togetherness. These spaces bring people from all walks of life together, fostering relationships and creating a supportive environment for all.