About Us

Breakfast Buddies is a registered charity run by volunteers who believe that food, friendship, and dignity go hand in hand. We provide hot meals and support for people in Maidstone who are homeless or vulnerable, creating a warm, welcoming space where everyone is treated as an equal and no one is left behind.

Our Mission

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.

"It's so nice to have a seat up at a table with others. It makes us feel human”

– Breakfast Buddy Barry, September 2024

Our Volunteers

At the heart of Breakfast Buddies are our volunteers — the people who make everything possible. From cooking and serving breakfasts to offering a friendly chat and a warm smile, they bring kindness, patience and a real sense of community to every Saturday morning.

Many of our volunteers come from different walks of life, but they share the same belief: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, and that a little time and compassion can make a big difference. Their commitment and care are what turn a simple meal into something more — a moment of connection, hope and belonging.

Join Our Volunteer Team

Breakfast Buddies simply wouldn’t exist without our volunteers, and we’re always looking for more kind, reliable people to join the team. Whether you can help once a month or every week, there’s a place for you.

Volunteering with us isn’t just about serving breakfast, it’s about offering warmth, conversation and connection to those who need it most. It’s a couple of hours that can make a real difference — not only to others, but often to you as well.

If you’d like to get involved or find out more, we’d love to hear from you, simply get in touch. A warm welcome awaits you!

Our Approach

Ensuring dignity and friendship for our Buddies

We offer a welcoming space with chairs and tables for a relaxed atmosphere, with everyone welcomed and treated as equals.

Our volunteers are always available to chat with those in need. Checking in each week, they know someone cares.

We provide nutritious food prepared according to the highest standards in addition to fully utilising good food that is donated to us by local shops, businesses and schools, that would otherwise go to waste.

Get Involved

Join us in making a difference to the community.

Volunteer your time, donate food or funds, or simply spread the word about Breakfast Buddies.

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