‘Coming to New Futures makes me feel special and has given me a new sense of purpose’ – a client turns volunteer

We ask the women who come to us for support to tell their stories in their own words at every opportunity. 

Here, Debs, who’s been coming to see us for a number of years, reflects on the day she spent volunteering on one of our busiest and happiest occasions of the year – Christmas Dinner Day, on Thursday, December 12.

Debs writes: “Today was Christmas Dinner Day and I got to experience the whole thing from the other side of the fence so to speak – as a volunteer. 

“Special is the word I would use. I was there to help and to talk with all the other girls who came in and also to remember friends who are no longer with us – one person in particular.

“Wow, what a force to be reckoned with she was. It’s so sad that, yet again, we have lost another friend. 

“She was known by everyone, either in person or by reputation.

“I had a very close bond with her because she was with me the night my wife died. She helped me with CPR.

“It was so sad and now she is gone too.

“I’m supposed to be writing about today – Tuesday, December 12 – but I had to mention my wife and my sista.

“Well, today I had two puddings before my dinner and then (Drop-in manager) Lisa’s amazing cheesecake. I swear it’s the best I’ve ever tasted, no lie.

“The girls were coming in and out throughout the day, having their Christmas dinners and chatting away. I got to see friends from a long time ago. Too long. It was great.

“All day laughter with Christmas songs playing on the radio, (outreach worker) Avril with her elf ears Christmas hat on and then another friend came in with the new addition to the New Futures family – only three weeks old. Baby and mama are doing great.

“That at least in some way eased the sadness of loss by the enjoyment of a new life. So precious.

“Today has made me feel useful, wanted and special. It made me realise I might be meant for something, I have a purpose in life.

“For so long I’ve felt lost, but the New Futures Project family has given me hope.”

Contact The New Futures Project on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.

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