Where has the time gone? We can’t quite believe we are at the end of August! We hope our latest news brings you encouragement as you continue to support us. Even after 18 years our shop continues to be a point of connection, provision and conversation.
Summer Activities
We feel grateful for the continued provision to be able to support families in the summer holidays. We organised a day trip to Brighton beach and hosted another fun day on the recreation ground opposite our shop.Thankfully, the sun made an appearance for our trip to Brighton. We took over 100 people by two coaches. Families enjoyed the beach while others explored the town. For one woman, it was a real treat to return to a place she loved and for another, it was the first time as a single mum to 5 children. We gathered at 2pm on the pier and treated everyone to an ice cream.
Our community fun day hosted around 400 people and consisted of an inflatable slide, bungee jumps and ride on cars. By partnering with local churches and organisations we were able to offer crafts, activities, sports and games. The local fire service attended so children could play dress up and explore a fire engine. Families brought their own picnic and we supplied the ice lollies. It’s a privilege to be able to offer this all for free to help parents & carers and bring some joy to the children. We want to say a special thank you to Toyota for their funding towards our rides.
Crisis and Dreaming Fund
This year we have held two funds, one to help people in crisis and another to actively support peoples dreams.
We know the ongoing cost of living crisis has impacted many people and helping in the smallest ways can bring some relief. This has looked like giving supermarket vouchers to help people buy food, paying for urgent dental care or purchasing a video doorbell to help an older man who was attacked.
We have also been able to pay for courses to help individuals with employment, and purchasing tools to develop skills.
We recently purchased a blow torch to help a local young man develop his carpentry skills. He made a bench in honour of a man we knew who sadly passed away. He said …“It’s a special piece for the community and I love knowing that people who will use it, can see the writing will have their own special memories and thoughts that are personal to them. Hopefully, it will bring joy and what an honour.”
The Reimagine Course
Part of our dreaming fund enabled the ‘Reimagine Course’. This was set up for anyone who may be feeling stuck in a rut, a little lost or in need of some inspiration. The wonderful Nikki helped the group to dig a little deeper, notice the small things that bring joy and connect with the deep down dreams.
“It has helped me notice the joys in my life more and have a better understanding of what makes me happy”
“It made me want to stand up and be counted and more confident”
“I have been able to connect with the little joys in every day, even when things are difficult or overwhelming:
Hive Update
It’s fantastic to see The Hive going from strength to strength as Marion has worked hard to build her team of volunteers and develop courses and local connections.
The Hive continues to run regular workshops, teach valuable sewing skills and create a safe place for people to connect and support each other.
It’s wonderful to witness the pride that comes from making something with your own hands and the encouragement that comes from new found friends. We know much ‘deeper’ work happens in that space.
If you would like to know more about The Hive, visit www.thehiveleatherhead.com
Coming up…
In September we are taking our Kings & Queens (our over 65’s) to see a film at the Leatherhead Theatre including coffee and cake afterwards. We feel encouraged by the enthusiasm and positive response.And in December we will be treating families to a Christmas Panto.