NEWSLETTER #9
Easter 2023
16 April
Come as you are, bring what you can and take what you need
The Keepers' First Survey
Back in 2021, Wotton Area Mutual Aid ran a community survey, the results of which led to the creation of The Keepers. Over the past 18 months, we have worked hard to support our local communities providing services, resources, facilities and opportunities to those that walk through our doors, but we wanted to find out from our communities themselves what impact The Keepers has really had. The first ever Keepers' Survey launched on 10 February and ran until 5 March. Thanks to our trusty volunteer network, we were able to deliver 6,500 paper surveys across our communities to find out answers to our questions. The feedback we get from this survey will help us shape how we work and what we offer in the future to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our local communities. Thank you for taking part!
Our survey closed on 5 March
The Keepers is Kingswood has launched!
The ball is well and truly rolling and Keepers in Kingswood (KiK) have taken more steps to set up the first satellite hub of The Keepers.
Our aim is to facilitate activities directed at the specific needs of all the people in the village, to reduce loneliness by providing opportunities to socialise and to help meet basic needs.
The KiK is in the process of recruiting its own network of volunteers to help take the satellite hub forward. Those interested can complete this online form here: https://tinyurl.com/5pxkmuv
New Keepers' photos
A big thank you to Photographer Matthew Bigwood and his daughter Hannah for coming in and taking new Keepers' photos, of our staff, volunteers and activities - we love them!
One of our green-fingered garden volunteers
A Keepers' café volunteer
New Team Members
Since January, we have recruited a new member of staff to the Keepers' team.
Sara is our new Volunteer Coordinator:
It’s great to be joining the team at The Keepers as Volunteer Coordinator.
This is a new role for The Hub and I am really looking forward to working closely with our amazing group of dedicated volunteers who provide such a warm and friendly welcome to our visitors and ensure the smooth running of many of the activities we provide.
We are always looking to expand our team so please do say hello if you see me at The Hub and ask how you could become involved in your local community - whether that be, for example, in the café or helping in the Hub garden.
Our volunteers give as much or as little time as they can afford and it’s a great opportunity to make new friends and even learn a new skill. I look forward to meeting you!
Sara - The Keepers' Volunteer Coordinator
We love our visiting professionals!
Cassie from P3
We thought we'd give a big shout out to our professionals in the building who provide a security blanket to our staff and volunteers of professional knowledge and training when the need arises. In our view, the more professionals in the building, the better!
- Cassie from P3 is at The Keepers every Wednesday between 10am – 12pm (although not always holding a banoffee pie!) She offers accommodation-based support but can help with all kinds of forms – and if she can’t help, she will help to find someone who can!
- Jo (Job Club) is moving back to Wednesdays, 10am - 12pm. Could you be the next person that Jo helps with a CV, employment support, interview advice and techniques?
We also host drop-ins with:
- the AgeUK Help team,
- GDA Hearing clinic,
- Health Visiting Team,
- Warm and Well,
- Clean Slate,
- Citizens Advice,
- Neighbourhood Warden,
- Frailty nurses,
- PCSO (Police Community Support Officer)
- Stroud District Council Housing Support, and
- Social Prescribers.
Coronation Weekend Plans
The Big Help Out - 8th May
The Big Help Out on 8th May is the day to celebrate volunteers, and volunteering opportunities, in our community – of which, in Wotton and surrounding areas there is a huge amount to celebrate.
Come and join us from 9.30-11.30a.m on that day as we do some gardening in community spaces.
The gardening will be followed by refreshments at The Keepers.
Promoting The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May
Town Hall Teas - 7th May
On Coronation weekend, we are coming together with The Heritage Centre to organise a Town Hall Teas on Sunday 7th May.
If it is nice weather we will be holding the event in Market Street as we have road closure - if wet, plan B is to run the whole thing in the Town Hall (upstairs and downstairs).
Set up is 1-2pm and then teas 2pm - 6pm and clear down 6pm-7pm.
Please come along to support The Keepers. If you would like to lend a hand by baking a cake, helping us set up/clear down or serving teas, then please e-mail: thekeeperscommunityhub@gmail.com.
The Keepers' Café does Town Hall Teas!
UPDATES
January Essentials Food Bags
Thank you to everyone who contributed towards the success of our January Essentials Food Bags campaign. Due to the generosity of some local donors, we were able to offer a one-off January Essentials Food Bag to anyone finding it hard to make ends meet at this difficult time.
Winter Wanderland
Winter Wanderland display
We relived some memories for our Winter Wanderland display this year, recognising our Wotton Area Mutual Aid roots!
Garden Update
Amy and her team of volunteers have been busy working on the garden terracing - some timber was kindly donated for this from Country Style Supplies.
Our entrance pathway now has several plant supports along the side
Garden volunteers re-using pallet wood
Our yellow forsythia and daffodils out in bloom!
Easter Food Bags
Thanks to all who donated, shopped, packed and delivered to make our Easter Food Bag campaign a success this year. We could not have done it without the help of so many individuals, local businesses, schools and other organisations!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT – for every Easter item and every pound!
Some of the goodies donated to our Easter food bags
Trustee Corner
These past couple of months we have been looking at pulling together our 5-year business plan together with Cranfield Trust. We have used the results of the recent Keepers' survey to inform this work. Financial forecasting for a small charity is never easy years into the future, but we are working on coming up with a draft at the moment that will then need to be refined in consultation with the Trustees.
The Keepers' logo in 3D hangs in our main entrance space
What’s New at The Keepers?
Mindsong's Sing 2 Remember
Music is a powerful tool to reach out to touch people with dementia. The power of music can create a sense of community to bring people together. Music can bring back memories and singing helps people reconnect with themselves and their life history, through the strong associations evoked by song.
This group runs every other Tuesday from 7th March 2023 between 11.00am - 12pm. No booking required.
Others can also join this singing group, for example, those who don't feel comfortable singing in a choir, carers and those they care for etc.
Singing songs with Mindsong to remember
Chair Yoga
Gentle, supportive yoga to improve strength, flexibility and balance. Also includes mindful breathing and calming relaxation. Usually every Monday from 1.30-2.30p.m but with various holidays and Bank holidays, it is best to check our What's On This Week page on our website:
www.thekeepers.org.uk/thisweek
Our Creative Arts Course is BACK!
Starting on Thursday 13th April with the final session on 1st June, the 6-week course will once again be run by Art Shape. Running Thursdays between 9.30-11:30am.
Introduction to Spices cookery course
Learn about spices from a professional chef. Where did different spices originate from? What are their benefits? Which meals should have which spice? Running every Thursday from 6th April to 4th May between 9:30 – 11:30am.
Our talented chef/tutor!
Carers' Cafe
The frailty nurses of Culverhay and Chipping surgeries are setting up a Carer’s Café at The Keepers. Running on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays starting on the 18th April. 10.30a.m – 12.30p.m
Red Cross First Aid Course
A first aid course especially for 12-19 year olds will be running on 18th April between 3.15-4.15pm. There is still time to book a space.
Talk Club
Talk Club, a mental health group especially for men of any age, runs every first Wednesday of each month.
Covid 19 Vaccination Clinic
Spring Boosters for the over 75s, for people who are immunosuppressed and also for first and second doses for the over 12s. No appointment necessary, just drop in. Thursday 20 April, 10am - 2pm.
To see what's on at The Keepers each week, just click below:
Get Involved...
There are lots of ways to get involved and/or to support The Keepers:
* Volunteer - there are a number of different roles/jobs.
* Fundraise - running a small event, or making a regular or one-off donation on our website. We are also looking for volunteers to join our fundraising committee. You can also take part in the Lucky Severn Lottery that takes place each week. Click here for more info. If you decide to join in, remember to choose The Keepers as your charity to support!
* Share info with neighbours, friends and colleagues who may not receive our newsletter.
* Follow us and like our posts on Social Media to ensure the information gets to as many people as possible.
* Or simply..... Next time you are ordering anything on Amazon, go to https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ instead and choose "The Keepers - Wotton Area Community Hub" as your charity. They will donate to us each time you order.
If you would like to made a donation to us directly, you can do so by clicking the button below or through our website. Many thanks for your support!
