While elsewhere deranged minds consider shooting unarmed civilians in the Channel, I thought I’d share some good news.
The charity I volunteer with has recently moved to premises which are substantially larger the previous. Whereas last year we were getting 200 people a week through the doors, it’s now handling 200 a day!
People who come to us find a place where they can relax and socialise with new friends, and get whatever support we can provide. We have a ‘shop’ stocked with donations from the wonderful public which is entirely free to those in need: clothing, household items, small furnishings, toys, games, fresh fruit & veg, and for those stranded in hotels with no cooking facility there’s food packs that they can just add boiling water to from a kettle.
There’s a play room for younger kids, where parents can leave their children to be looked after by vetted carers so they can have a few hours’ break, and a games room with pool, TV and games consoles for those a bit older. For adults there are classes in sewing, art, yoga, as well as a conversation club for people to practise or improve their English. Or folk can simply hang out, enjoying tea/coffee and snacks. It’s a very laid back place where everyone’s welcome.
There are things we can’t provide support for and in those cases we’ll signpost people to the nearest charity that can help.
Regardless of the circumstances and background of many, there’s always an air of positivity and it’s a joy to see the effects of even small acts of kindness each day. The general public is incredibly generous and it’s only through their support that the charity has been able to function and grow.
So if you’ve ever donated your time, skills, money or goods to such a cause, thank you! 🫂