Mike Jourdain
We are sorry to share the sad news of the passing of our friend and colleague Mike Jourdain on 16th January 2023. He was a man of great faith, vision and action for seeking justice throughout our city and beyond.
Mike Jourdain
Here are two tributes, from our own Neil Avard and from local MP Caroline Lucas:
Neil Avard
As Head of mission and Food Bank Team Leader at Brighton and Hove City Mission (BHCM), Mike brilliantly led his team to bring hope, help and spiritual healing to hundreds of people. He was the pioneer and driving force for setting up this network of Christian charities working together across Brighton & Hove and CAB will be one of the lasting legacies he leaves behind.
He will be truly missed but never forgotten.
Caroline Lucas MP
As a local MP I have the honour of meeting so many dedicated and passionate people who make our city the wonderful place it is. And on meeting Mike Jourdain, at the City Mission Food Bank, I instantly knew I was working alongside someone very special.
Mike's commitment to making a positive difference almost sparkled from him - there was an energy to him that was undeniable. He was immensely kind-hearted and had an incredible understanding and empathy for people who used the services he was such a central part of providing.
It's no exaggeration to say that Mike personally helped thousands of people through extremely difficult circumstances. He headed up the food bank through a global pandemic, the aftermath, and then again into a cost-of-living crisis.
I know many in Brighton & Hove will feel a great sense of loss following Mike's death - and it's true. We have lost an amazing public servant and powerful force for good. Some of my most vulnerable constituents also spoke so highly of Mike, knowing he would be there at the food bank for regular advice and a catch up meant so much to them.
Mike was ambitious and determined to deliver a new, more accessible, home for the food bank at Preston Circus and we had been working on that together before he became unwell. I can think of no better lasting legacy for us to come together and deliver in his name – at the place he put so much of his passion and faith into.