Breakfast Buddies began because we saw a gap — people in Maidstone were going hungry over the weekend. Local soup kitchens help during the week, but many of their guests told us that weekends could feel long, lonely, and empty.

So, we decided to do things differently.

Every Saturday morning we open our van doors and provide for a proper breakfast — hot food, tea and coffee, cakes, and a few bits to take away. But more than that, we offer company, kindness, and a place to just be.

Here, everyone sits together at tables, shares food, chats, and laughs. There’s no queue, no divide between “volunteers” and “guests”, just people connecting. One regular said, “It makes me feel human again, sitting with others like this.”

Most of our visitors are street homeless or living in temporary accommodation, many coping with mental health challenges or addiction. We also help with emergency items, toiletries, and referrals to other local services when needed.

The Breakfast Buddies runs entirely on volunteer time, donations, and goodwill — and every week, it reminds us what community can look like when people are treated with dignity and respect.