.png)
Another happy and uplifting day in drop-in: The heart of New Futures
- ciaran583
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The other day, our director Della Kagure Brown walked into our drop-in and was immediately struck by the buzz of happy chatter, laughter - and some serious crafting.
Housed in a large kitchen and lounge at the back of the building, drop-in is the heart of the New Futures Project.
We are very proud of this service, not least because so many women visit it each year to enjoy a temporary break from the difficulties of the world outside.
It’s a place for them to get a shower, do their laundry and pick up some new clothes and toiletries.
Some of our homeless clients tend to catch up on their sleep here because it’s a safe alternative to rough-sleeping.
Furthermore, they can get a freshly cooked hot meal before leaving with other essentials.
Crucially, the time they spend here - including our ever-developing craft sessions - allows us to get to know each individual and establish what we need to do to help them now and in the longer-term
Della said: "I love walking into our drop-in. It’s my favourite place in the project.
"I don’t get time to do as much of it as I used to - always so busy now- but sitting talking to someone who’s feeling alone and who needs a bit of support is one of the best parts of my job.
"And I love going in when I feel a bit low too. Someone will always tell a funny story and I’ve always said some of our women should be on the stage!
"New Futures is such a special place and the drop-in is the heart of it."
READ MORE: 'The women know they can talk to us and they won't be judged' - Meet our new drop-in manager Louise
The service is managed by Louise Cook, who came to the project as a volunteer earlier this year.
Her dedication to the voluntary role convinced us she was the right person to run the service, so we offered her the full-time job.
We asked some of the women what makes the place so special.
Zoe said: "I've been coming to the New Futures Project for years because it helps vulnerable women, women who have been abandoned.
"Coming here gives us peace of mind for a time.
"Being able to get hot food is important for the women who come here, and I've got a lot of clothes from the project too in the past.
"I love everything about the people here."
READ MORE: Thank you! An anonymous donor has sent clothes, cosmetics and treats for the women we support
Diana uses her fine arts background to help other women explore their creativity. On this day, she was helping them create bright and colourful keepsakes with clay and paints.
"Some of the girls come in here rather tentatively and get involved in the crafts," she tells us.
"Even something as simple as using a cookie cutter to cut out a shape, colour it in and wait for it to dry, can make you feel you're getting somewhere.
"Its wonderful to see everyone getting involved. It gives me a sense of purpose too."
Barbara was full of praise for our Louise, saying: "Louise puts so much effort in. She makes cakes, cooks meals and remembers everyone's birthday.
"Everyone at New Futures puts in that effort."
Rose, a regular visitor said: "It's fantastic here. I have seen New Futures change over the past four years. It has helped me so much since I first came here.
"It's fantastic. You can come in and relax. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff here.
“I really like the days like today when we can do craft activities like colouring-in or making things with clay.”
The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.
Call us 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.
Comments