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News  |  Posted 19 November 2024

N’s story: “Christmas at Social Bite is amazing”

Every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Social Bite coffee shops in Scotland provide free Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, a gift, and loving company to people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness. We asked our friend N. to tell us what Christmas at Social Bite means to her.

A woman in a Santa hat and a red jumper high-fives a man in a black tshirt

You’re always welcome at Social Bite

“In 2019, every day, I came to Social Bite to eat. I came for breakfast, and I would come back in the afternoon. Every single day. I was always made to feel welcome.

“Social Bite means a lot to me. When you’re going through homelessness, you don’t have anything. You have nothing. I really like the service they provide and I like the people at Social Bite. They’re a very helpful charity. Before, I would be very hungry and didn’t have access to food. For me, without Social Bite I don’t know where I’d be. They helped me a lot. They are very supportive people. Amazing people.

“At Social Bite’s weekly Women’s Group, we’ve taken part in lots of activities. We’ve had our nails done. LUSH came to pamper us, with hand and face massages. We’ve done quizzes, and even though I guessed lots of the answers, I won and even got a prize! We’ve also done story writing and knitting together. I enjoy a hot meal at the women’s group, but we’re also encouraged to take some food away for the next day.”

 

A woman serves Christmas dinner to people in a cafe

 

Christmas at Social Bite feels like home

“I also go to the charity at Christmas time. Christmas is amazing at Social Bite.

“Last year, I went to the Social Bite Christmas Eve food service. There was lots of food. Lots of drinks, tea, coffee. The family who hosted me in Southside a few years ago have kept in touch. They met me at Social Bite on Christmas Eve, brought gifts and we enjoyed a hot Christmas meal together.

“The following day, Christmas Day, I was home alone and lonely. I called the Social Bite Support Worker in Glasgow, Euan, and asked if I could come to the coffee shop again.

“He said, “of course!” Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford a taxi because rates on Christmas day were double. So, I walked for an hour each way to get to the Social Bite coffee shop, just to be around supportive people.

“You know, Christmas is a time where everyone is getting presents. Receiving gifts from Social Bite at Christmas, it feels like getting gifts from my family. My own family are far away, but when I come to Social Bite it feels like home. It’s my first home on coming to Glasgow. Social Bite is part of my family. It means so much to me.

“I love Social Bite, I love Social Bite to pieces.”

 

We love you too, N!

 

Men in Santa hats and paper crowns eat a meal at a long table, with sparkling lights and Christmas crackers around them

 

Could you give someone a Christmas of Kindness?

Social Bite is able to provide a loving Christmas experience for guests like N thanks to the amazing donations we receive from wonderful supporters.

You can donate a Christmas of Kindness today to help us make sure that thousands of people, who have experiences like N, can enjoy the same hearty dinner and supportive company this Christmas. Just £5 can buy someone a hot Christmas meal. £28 could provide Christmas Dinner, a gift, a pack of essentials and access to support.