Wider Community

Foodbank

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry, which is why we helped to establish and pro-actively support Bognor Foodbank. The Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

The Foodbank works with partner agencies to provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. People who are engaging with those agencies can be given vouchers which allow them to access a free food parcel. The Shore Community Church, together with other churches in the town and organisations such as My Sister’s House, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Christians Against Poverty are all voucher holders. If you are already receiving support from an organisation, they will either be able to give you a voucher or refer you to someone who can.  Contact details for the Foodbank can be found on their website https://bognorregis.foodbank.org.uk/ or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bognorfoodbank.

Lifecentre

A number of our members either volunteer or work at the Lifecentre, which is a small West Sussex based charity founded in 2001 that dedicates itself to supporting those whose lives have been devastated by the effects of rape and sexual assault. Their services aim to heal the traumatic effects endured by their beneficiaries through the provision of face-to-face counselling for survivors of all ages, genders and their supporters which is free from the point of entry. For child survivors under the age of 10 years old we provide a free play therapy service.

Lifecentre reach out to survivors across West Sussex through centres located in Chichester, Worthing and Crawley. They also reach out to survivors across the UK via their free national telephone helpline and text and online counselling. To make a referral to Lifecentre, simply call one of their friendly office team on 01243 786349 or take a look at their website for more info. https://lifecentre.uk.com./

Arun Angels

The Shore Community Church helped to establish Arun Angels in 2009. Our Street Angels are volunteers who believe that people deserve care and love in their time of need and watch out for those who have become vulnerable and to offer help and support. They walk the streets of Bognor on Saturday evening to help those who are distressed, affected by alcohol, violence or the fear of violence. There are times when listening to someone’s story or simply being there brings a sense of calm and well-being to a person.

They hand out flip-flops to girls whose shoe style has eclipsed comfort, water to anyone who is dehydrated, as well as space blankets and rain ponchos to people who made the wrong choice of clothes or are stranded in bad weather.

For more information https://www.facebook.com/arunangelswestsussex/

Pregnancy Options Centre

This centre offers a free counselling service for anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy, giving them time and space to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe non-judgemental environment.

They also provide longer-term emotional and practical support for those who are struggling following an abortion or facing pregnancy loss.

Their main counselling centre is based in a discreet office location in Chichester City Centre, with a satellite service provided in Bognor Regis. They also run a monthly drop-in at the Bognor Regis Women’s Centre, My Sisters’ House, every last Thursday of the month 1pm – 3pm. For more information: https://pregnancyoptionscentre.org.uk/