Managed to get into the British Red Cross destitute centre in Hackney today... What a lovely atmosphere... we had 60 service users come along for food parcels.. breakfast and lunch some can get a shower and change of clothes and do their washing... Have comfortable place to rest..... we have activities... Today I had to see if I could get some feedback forms filled on the centre and the services provided... This led to some wonderful deep sharing conversations. I noticed those not so good with their English speaking became more fluent and confident as they opened up to the stimulating conversations.. I learnt a lot and so many may have hit on hard times but have a lot in them to share that is good and could help our society if there was a pathway of support by gov and society as a whole. What an enriching day it has been of human to human coming together and sharing and caring. I was fascinated by one lady from Eritrea that when I asked about the creative writing classes told me she cannot write her poems and stories in English a lot comes out in her mother tongue. She made me aware that when back in her country she once had a poem published.... I was talking with our staff of volunteers this an idea to facilitate and encourage mother tongue creative writing and we can then look at translations and adaptations to English. Loved the Music class and sharing even had a go myself at the drums, tambourine and Ukulele....we all had a laugh it is good to have a laugh so cathartic and stimulates endorphins for a feeling of well being.... We all had food together to so well looked after by the cook.
The centre does offer Massage to help a feeling of well being for the service users.... I was thinking if I could get some funds I could help to get some Essentials oils from my Independent Consultancy for Neals Yard Remedies. I actually had some of the Women's balance on to help support me in the hot weather and many said oh Marjorie what is that lovely perfume! Good to lift spirits.... There is a way I could help with this ... if registered customers wish to shop with me and put by their surname BRC ( British Red Cross) I can track these orders and give 25% of my commission to ordering essentials oils and massage oils - with good turnover can get a diffuser for the treatment room..... plus as business builds with this idea I can get extra goodies to make a pamper hamper for the centre to raffle for fundraising for other necessary supports. Here is my blog link Marjorie's Yard and the personalised link to the shop Shop Now note the company handle the order for me but let me know of the customer order..... I can look after the customer too.....
