Wayside Community
Hackney charity Wayside opened a revamped store in May after workers from City insurance firm Aon helped with the store's transformation. The Wayside Community Centre aims to improve the mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of people living in Clapton, Hackney, one of the most deprived areas in the country. They support those who need it most - economically disadvanted, lonely, elderly and frail people or those suffering any form of distress (mental, physical or emotional). They run a social drop-in centre, exercise and fitness classes, healthy living workshops and day-trips, and operate a charity shop where people can afford to buy clothes and basic goods (like toys for their children). Proceeds from the shop help fund the activities at the community centre.
Initially run by two volunteers, with financial aid, the Wayside Community Centre developed from a house-based prayer group started in 1987, by local Methodist Preacher, Sister Jean John. Though founded on a Christian ethos, the centre is open to all and serves a large and varied community. It is run by local people for local people.
A team of volunteers from Aon and some of its suppliers carried out the refurbishment of the Wayside shop during the week commencing 30th April 2007. The work included fitting a new ceiling and lighting, cabinets and display units and a new shop front sign as well as painting and decorating to give the shop a total facelift. Many Aon staff who couldn't assistwith the actual refurbishment played their part by donating designer clothing to help restock Wayside's second hand clothing range.
Wayside was introduced to Aon by ELBA, the East London Business Alliance, who broker relationships between city companies and local charities. Sally Coode-Bate, community affairs manager for Aon in the UK, said: "On first meeting Sister Jean John we were so impressed by the work that she and her team carry out for the local community that we had no hesitation in selecting Wayside as one of our eight community projects being carried out to celebrate Aon's 20th anniversary."
Sally said that in addition to the work by Aon employees, "we were joined by volunteers from several of our suppliers including planning and movement company 4-Mat, removal specialists TBS, JCD ceilings and Acorn builders". She felt that the enjoyment of working with the team at Wayside and their excitement and appreciation of the transformation "made every minute worthwhile".
After years of relying almost solely on the income from the shop to fund operations, Wayside received a grant from the Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund (from the Home Office) this year to develop the organisation. The charity is also part of inShape, the Healthy Living Partnership for Hackney's over 50s, which is a network comprised of seven charities working together to improve the health and wellbeing of elders and inShape is funded by the Big Lottery.
Sister Jean John who is the chair and founder of Wayside Community, is a local preacher in the circuit and worships at Clapton Park Church... Clapton Park
Wayside Community Links
Wayside - the website of Wayside community.
Aon - Aon gave much valued support in the make-over of the Wayside shop.
Elba - The East London Business Alliance brought Aon and Wayside together.
Candl - this article first appeared in CANDL Light, the newsletter of Barnardo's Candl Project.