BUDE is full of small shops in hidden locations. One such shop in one of the quiet back streets of Bude holds a unique position in the town. It was bought three years ago by the Bude Christian Fellowship to provide the church with a tangible foothold in the community.

The church runs with the tag line — 'A church in the heart of the community with the community in its heart.'

The Life Centre is an expression of this vision and seeks to provide multiple functions which include The Bude Food Bank. This is a local outlet of a national endeavour to help people in a very practical way. Despite the apparent affluence of Bude there is a hidden problem in the community. In the houses of Bude and surrounding district are many people who go through times of crisis perhaps due to illness, redundancy or domestic breakdown and find themselves with no food on the table.

A spokesman said: "The economic climate of the country is seriously affecting some of the Bude residents. Social Services do their best but often they cannot respond with immediate assistance. This is where the Food Bank comes in."

Local people are asked at various times in the year to provide some food (maybe on buy one get one free offers) and these are stored in the small warehouse and food parcels are made available to people referred to the Food Bank by caring professionals such as CAB, Neetside Community Centre and others who are given free vouchers for distribution. Posters are located in many places showing where vouchers are available.

A recent national directive preventing Job Centre Plus from distributing vouchers has reduced the flow of client referrals but the Food Bank is confident that there is a greater need than ever. Local agencies and groups that may encounter people in crisis are invited to become voucher holders by contacting the Life Centre.

When open during the week the volunteers at the Life Centre offer a drop in for people who just want a warm comfortable place with a friendly face and the chance for a free cuppa and a chat.

The spokesman added: "You would be amazed at how many people there are in Bude who can go day after day without any human contact. Not only do they enjoy the social interaction of the centre but also build up friendships and practical support.

"Some come to play, some come to pray some come to chat and things like that but we also run occasional practical courses to help people with financial advice, home keeping and sometimes just to provide a sympathetic ear. Within the centre are the administrative offices for the Fellowship and the Pastor's study together with a counselling area."

You can find out more by calling in when it's open — Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm or ring 01288 359714, or have a look at the website http://www.bcf-elim.com">www.bcf-elim.com.