Coldplay donates Wembley Tickets to Justlife

We'd like to say a huge thank you to Coldplay for generously donating free private box ticket to people we work with. Our clients, all of whom have experienced homelessness, were treated to a 3 course meal with a private chef, backstage passes, merchandise, and an incredible view of Coldplay’s performance.

The evening was also made extra special by the generosity of local Brighton businesses All Saints on East Street, who styled Justlife’s clients with outfits for the gig, and Brighton & Hove Community Transport, who provided free transportation to Wembley.

Some attendees said that it was the “best experience they had ever had in their life” and made them feel so “valued and alive”.

Jude, one of the attendees, said ”It’s such a long time since I’ve been to a proper concert and I’d forgotten what a buzz it gives me."

All of the attendees are part of Justlife's befriending scheme, Social Connection, that runs a peer support group and social activities for people moving away from homelessness.

We interviewed, Jon, one of the project participants about the Coldplay concert and the Social Connection project.

What was your highlight from the gig?

Oh god I don’t even know what to say, everything! The band, being at Wembley, in the hospitality, the food, the LED wrist bands, just all of it.

How did you feel leading up to the gig and when you were there?

I was really excited going up there. The trip was easy in the community transport, the driver was nice. Just brilliant, such a brilliant atmosphere.

How did you feel wearing your new outfit from AllSaints?

Brilliant, really really pleased. They were so nice as well, there was no judgement at all. They were very easy going and sorted people out depending on their desires of how they dress etc. Even though we got vouchers, they didn’t treat us any differently , they just treated us like special customers.

Did you have a favourite song from the evening?

Sky full of stars

What other types of Social Connections Project (SCP) activities have you been involved with?

Woodworking in Stanmer Park, picnic in Preston Park, bowling, and I have a befriender, Jo who is brilliant and someone to talk to. Befriender is a great term as it's just what they are - a friend to have coffees with. We are gonna start doing other stuff as well…like an open bus top tour around Brighton.

Out of the activities I loved bowling, really liked Stanmer park - I was not as likely to have ever done these things on my own but did them because of being a part of The Social Connections Project. So good to do those things and meet different people

How has being involved with SCP made a difference in your life?

Its made a massive difference - it has aided my recovery - it’s helped my mental health. It’s helped me to get out of the house, meet new people and do different things.

Is there anything you'd like to say to the funders of Justlife's Social Connection Project?

I just want to thank everyone who has worked in Justlife, they have had a massive impact on my life. Just the support I get, especially on on a Wednesday at the peer support group, I’m so very grateful for all of what Justlife do and especially SCP.