Lunch Positive achievements in 2020 celebrated in Sussex-wide report

During 2020, HIV lunch group Lunch Positive supported more people in more ways than ever before, and the successes of their unique Covid response appear in a new strategic report published by the Sussex Health & Care Partnership.

Stronger Partnerships, Stronger Communities and a Stronger Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sectorexplores how the voluntary sector in Sussex has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and draws out themes, learning and recommendations for future work.

Along with the rapid adjustment to provide a Covid-response for people in the greatest need, Lunch Positive has also adapted and continued, where measures allow, its pre-Covid core work and undertaken many new developments that will continue during 2021 and beyond.

During 2020 Lunch Positive prepared and served over 22,000 meals to people shielding, self-isolating, and with other support need. The charity provided practical, social, emotional and mental health support to 247 people, many who were unwell, lonely or socially isolated. Over 600hours have been given in 1-1 telephone befriending. Crucially all this support has been given by a team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year. During the year the volunteer team gave almost 9,000 hours of their time to support others.

Gary Pargeter, Service Manager at Lunch Positive, said: “We were delighted to contribute to this important report that reflects on the impact of Covid during 2020, and to share our work during this most challenging year.

“As a very small charity, actively working with volunteers and on a shoestring budget, it is a fantastic example of the contributions that the voluntary sector makes to the health and lives of people with HIV. We are an authentic grassroots charity, community-based, with the people we serve always at the absolute heart of everything we do.

“This year has been exceptionally tough for many people and we’re pleased to have reached and supported so many whose needs have been wide ranging and diverse. In addition to the essential supply of food to people with need, we have continued to support people through times of loneliness and anxiety, emotional distress and often poor mental health. Our volunteers in all their roles have been truly amazing, giving more time this year than ever before. Our work has grown, and we are deeply grateful to service users, volunteers, friends and supporters, and partner organisations.