Happy New Year!

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Here at Befriended we love January.  It’s a time for reflection on the year that has passed and a time for planning and preparation for the year ahead.  We have so much to look forward to.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this Christmas so special. Befriended Christmas lunch with eukele entertainment by the Sheddingdean Strummers was a real highlight, as was our Christmas special afternoon tea at Gateway Baptist Church with sing-a-long carols and even a brass band.  If you have never been to one of our tea parties, come along to our next afternoon tea on 5th February, and bring a friend or family member with you.  
Photo of Lorraine and her Mum 
Gail met Lorraine after a game of tennis… Lorraine was telling Gail about her Mum who lives on her own and is living with dementia. Lorraine asked if Gail knew of places she could take her Mum so Gail told her about Befriended monthly tea parties and invited her to come along. Lorraine and her Mum came to Befriended tea party for the first time in January  “Wow what a wonderful afternoon ! The tea was amazing and everyone was so friendly. We had such a great time, Mum loved the singing and the people. Mum was totally blown away with the fabulous blanket given to keep her warm.It was a special afternoon for me to spend with her. Thankyou. I will never forget it”
Keeping Warm This Winter – Befriended Blankets
We are blessed to have been able to give away 250 blankets so far this Winter thanks to the enormous generosity of our community including Hurstpierpoint Parish Council, The Point Church, Kings Church, St Edwards etc.   The feedback has been so encouraging.
“I cannot thank you enough for my beautiful blanket, I use it all day and all night”. J
“My blanket is my best friend, it stays with me all the time. Thank you so much” B
“It was lovely to receive this special gift of practical love, you are so kind and thoughtful, thank you for the card reminding me of Gods love for me P
I don’t go out now but to know you knew I was here and give me such a beautiful gift made me cry. I am so grateful. Thank you” M
“I went to Kings church and heard about these blankets and thought to myself how much I would love one, then the following day a kind lady delivered one to me.  God must have heard my prayers.  Thank you” S“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your kindness and in giving such a practical and much needed gift.  I love my blanket” P

  If you would like one or if you know of someone who will benefit from one of our blankets please do let us know on 0300 7727703 or email office@befriended.org and we will get one delivered. 
Our enthusiastic team of Students from Worth School who volunteer at our balance classes are bursting with excitement that they have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page to raise funds for their favourite charity ‘Befriended’   The boys are so joyful, and our clients love dancing alongside them every week. Please help Patrick reach his goal! 
https://gofund.me/760728f5 or click on the button below….
PATRICK GO FUND ME PAGE
Befriended Balance
The most common New Year’s resolution is to get fit, so if that sounds like you, come and try our Befriended Balance classes.  It’s not all hard work, its a lot of fun and we fill you full of tea and cake before you make your way home!  We are there every Wednesday afternoon at Hurstpierpoint Methodist Church 1.30pm.
Warm Spaces
Did you know about the government funded spaces popping up all over the country providing warm spaces for those who need it? They are not  only an opportunity to stay warm, but also a wonderful place to meet new friends and to connect with your local communities.  
The Bereavement Journey Course
Our new Bereavement Journey course starts on February 22nd.  The course is 5 weeks long and welcoming to people of all faiths or non.  This is a safe friendly space you can open up and chat about your loss without judgement or worry.  
If you or someone you know would benefit from attending please do let them know or contact us for more details.

Sign up for the course at www.thepointchurch.co.uk/course/bereavement-journey
Dates For Your Diary
February Afternoon Tea Party – Sunday 5th Februaryat Gateway Baptist Church 3pm
Befriended Balance – Every Wednesday 1.30pm at Hurstpierpoint Methodist Church 

Bereavement Course –22nd February Wednesday mornings 10-12 for 5 weeks.  St Edwards Church, Burgess Hill
FinanceWe are so grateful to so many of you who donated to us last year, thank you for your generosity it does make such a difference.  
Please consider supporting us monthly. You can give using this linkhttps://zfrmz.eu/MDyHibckGEeSBlsy8nmD

Thank you!
Thank you so much for being a part of Befriended and to all our volunteers for all they do in making a difference to the lives of others.
Thank you for all your encouragement, friendship, prayers and your financial support.  Without you we could not do what we do
God bless and much love to you and those you love

Gail and all the team at Befriended. xx