BUDE is blessed with an amazing number of organisations which enrich the life of residents, writes Christine Williams.

Twenty-eight local community and voluntary groups were at the Neetside Community Centre on Friday, November 15 at an open house and coffee morning which enabled them to showcase what they have to offer. The event came about partly from Bude Together events which had shown there was a need for people to find out more about what is available in the town, for organisations to network and a willingness from the community to volunteer. Since it opened its doors 13 years ago, the centre has provided a welcoming home to such local groups, clubs, societies and volunteers.

The groups and organisations present fell into several categories offering care, help, advice and healthy activities. Volunteer Cornwall’s Community Makers work closely with the NHS so that communities and individuals can enjoy better physical and mental health and wellbeing. Age Concern, Kernow Carers service, Bude Memory Cafe and Women’s Centre Cornwall with 25 trained volunteers offer care and vital support and Addaction helps people make positive behavioural changes, especially with alcohol and drug misuse, and mental health.

The Blind Club for the visually impaired, Cornwall Lip Reading Et Al and Pluss Employment which supports people with disabilities move towards and into work were explaining the help they provide. Pro law was ready to give legal advice, Gemma Trace counselling and Citizens Advice who are actively recruiting volunteers for Bude and seeking premises and funding to continue their valuable service.

For those seeking a health lifestyle Healthy Cornwall works with people of all ages to promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle maybe by joining Walking for Health, visiting herbalist Linda Moran or by joining the Friends of Bude Sea Pool or by relaxing with the Neetside Knitters. Friends of the Earth welcomed people keen to preserve the local environment and the Bude Canal and Harbour Society is for people wanting to preserve the local historical heritage.

Local churches were represented by Christians Together and the Bude Street Pastors who are out and about in Bude mostly on Saturday nights doing all they can to help young people. Children up to the age of five can borrow toys from Bude Area Toy Library.

The now well established Repair Cafe invites people to bring their broken items for repair free of charge. Just out of town, the Gregson Centre hosts a variety of events ranging from theatre, live music, comedy, classes, workshops and much more!

Finally, with awards ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 Cornwall Community Foundation was inviting applications for funding for projects in and around the Bude area.

Throughout the morning Neetside was buzzing and it was quite a challenge to visit and chat with all the community and volunteer groups, but there was always the pop-up cafe for a peaceful coffee and delicious cake.

Among Bude-Stratton Town Councillors who attended was Cllr Gibbs, head of the communities committee. He was happy to talk to members of the public about the council as well as meeting the community groups. As part of another initiative he was asking people to complete a survey about whether or not the community of Bude would like a community online calendar or diary.

Louise Pearce, staff member at Neetside Community Centre, said: “We are delighted with how the day went with lots of new people attending. We were thrilled to see so many of our local and county-wide organisations networking and finding common ground or opportunities to work together. There has been a very positive feedback. Huge thanks to all the volunteers who helped. We’re already planning the next event so watch this space.”

The open day coincided with the national fundraising day for Children in Need and £147.56 was raised from the day’s events, which will be sent to support this charity.