Brighton is a vibrant, bold place. A place we’re lucky to call our home. And one thing we absolutely LOVE about Brighton is all the different community projects that emerge during the good times, but also the tough times. Here’s a roundup of 5 Brighton projects that we’re finding really inspiring right now:

The Real Junk Food Project

The Real Junk Food Project Brighton has one goal: to intercept food waste to turn into healthy meals to serve to the community, on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis. Their cafe is located in Gardner Street, where the Infinity Foods Cafe used to be and let me tell you – the food is delicious!

image of the junk food project in brighton
Image Source: The Junk Food Project via Google

An international movement created by Adam Smith, Real Junk Food Cafes offer an innovative??pay as you feel? concept that encourages people to think about what that plate of food means to them and value it in whatever way they can. On their website, they emphasise how by choosing not to segregate people based on financial circumstances, they are able to not only fund the projects but do so in a way that does not patronise those who need it and those who want to support it. Thoughtful, meaningful and delicious – what else could we ask for!

United We Stream

The pandemic has hit many sectors hard and live entertainment is one of them. With venues shut and at risk of closure, Brighton has joined the global streaming community with ‘United We Stream’ – a movement that started in Berlin during lockdown to keep local music alive during the pandemic.

Brighton Dj playing live at the i360
Image Source: Photograph ? Matt Stephens // mattstephensphotography.com

United We Stream Brighton showcases Brighton musicians, DJs and creative talent to viewers at home, whilst raising money for the city’s night-time economy, cultural organisations and charities.?This online movement features some of Brighton’s most-loved venues including; British Airways i360, The Tempest, Big Beach Cafe, Enter Art Gallery (formerly Art Republic), The Brighton Centre and many more, streaming live music and performances every weekend uniting the city during the coronavirus pandemic. You can tune into United We Stream performances from their website for free but don’t forget to make a donation – every little helps!

Brighton Dolphin Project

Did you know Brighton beach has dolphins? And who doesn’t like these incredibly intelligent, cute animals? Er, we certainly do!

The Brighton Dolphin Project (BDP) is the World’s Cetacean Alliance?s local charity that was set up to celebrate the cultural heritage that Brighton has with dolphins, whilst trying to inspire and excite the local community about conservation issues along the Sussex coast, encouraging human behaviour change that will lead to increasingly sustainable practices.

dolphin jumping off the water
Image source: Claire Purvis via The Brighton Dolphin Project FB page

Located on Brighton seafront, the Brighton Dolphin Project offers the following activities:

  • Sightings map to learn where you can spot dolphins in Sussex

  • A Dolphin VR Experience where you’ll be able to journey out into the seas of Brighton looking for dolphins without getting wet!

  • Boat trips to spot dolphins across Sussex

  • Arts & Crafts workshops

  • Scavenger Hunts

  • Beach Cleans – do something practical about our local litter problem by offering to conduct a beach clean on the beach. Equipment will be provided.

Extratime @Home

We couldn’t do a roundup of inspiring projects without mentioning local Brighton charity, Extratime. Extratime runs after school clubs and holiday schemes for children and young people with disabilities, providing respite for carers and families.

list of activities from extratime at home schedule

During the pandemic, this small charity have upped their game by creating Extratime @Home – a hub of activities children and young people can follow at home with Extratime experts and partners. By taking their activities online, they are able to reach more people, supporting children, young people and their families while being stuck at home. From arts to sports or magic, their hub of online activities is VERY impressive and free for anyone to access!

SUP & Soul

If you’ve been down the beach this season, you’d have probably noticed the increase in paddle boarders across the horizon. It’s no secret that paddleboarding or ‘supping’ has become a popular activity amongst Brightonians. According to Brighton SUP experts, SUP & Soul, through paddleboarding you’re able to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and tune back into YOU while learning new skills (hello, balance?).

two people paddle boarding on cuckmere haven in sussex

Created by travel connoisseur and certified instructor Camilla Todd, we love Sup & Soul’s work because it takes paddleboarding to a whole new level:

” It isn’t just another watersport, it’s a mindset – a way of life. Learn how to SUP while developing a deeper connection to nature, yourself & like-minded souls”

Want to discover a different side of Sussex? Join Cami and her Team for SUP lessons in Brighton, small-group expeditions across Sussex or come along to one of their retreats and leave feeling revived, reconnected and rewilded.

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of Brighton projects that inspire us right now! If you’d like to be featured or get up to date with the latest digital marketing tips, please sing up to our monthly newsletter here:?https://mailchi.mp/15692298794b/jointhecreativeblendfamily