Podiatrist
The lovely ladies at Forgotten Feet come to us either once per month, or every other month. They usually fit in around 7 of our customers within one session (alongside our breakfast service), depending on what needs to be done.
Forgotten Feet was set up in 2013 where Podiatrists and Foot health Practitioners volunteer their time. Their vision is to set up clinics in as many towns as possible, where a need is identified, creating a network of free foot care for the poorest in society throughout the UK.
Hairdresser
We have a committed hairdresser who tries to come into Carecent around every 8 weeks. Sue was part of Carecent before the pandemic and has continued to offer her time afterwards.
We also have the pleasure of having Jody Toner as part of our volunteer team – he also offers his time outside of his usual volunteering day.
You forget how much a haircut can make a difference to someone’s day – it can provide a feeling of pride and self-confidence. One guy recently said whilst looking in the mirror after his haircut, ‘there he is’, as if he had found part of himself.
Thursday Afternoons
We are also open on Thursday afternoons – these are meant to be enrichment sessions where we can do activities, workshops or host drop-ins that our customers can access. Recently we had ‘make your own pizza’ session where everyone rolled out their own dough and decorated their pizza with their own choice of toppings.
One of the most important things of these afternoon sessions, is that everyone comes together as one. There is not a divide of customers and volunteers – we all do the activities together.
Drama Group
We partnered up with an organisation called Night Light (Home | Night Light Theatre (night-light-theatre.co.uk)) who plan and deliver Arts & Drama session within the Community, focusing on a trauma informed approach.
We ran a 10-week workshop which aimed to encourage participation, increase confidence, self-esteem, improve interpersonal skills. The same group of 10 individuals came to every session, and slowly became more confident with each other, and the end result was amazing.
At the end of the 10 weeks, the group were able to put on a performance to a closed audience. The difference in confidence and self-esteem from when the group first formed is honestly astounding. In the beginning everyone was a bit withdrawn, talking quietly, not wanting to put themselves ‘out there’. At the end performance everyone had an excited energy around them and were passionate about their performances.
Walking Group
We have a monthly walking group, which has varied in popularity (usually depending on the weather and what food offered afterwards!). Our monthly walk is the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Art Class
At the end of February 2024 we started Art Club, which is ran weekly on a
Tuesday afternoon during school term-time.
Some of our customers are already amazingly talented and creative,
others wanted to learn different techniques and forms of art. Within
these sessions we have made wire sculptures, clay models, printing,
collages, story-boards and so much more