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'The women know they can talk to us and they won't be judged' - Meet our new drop-in manager Louise
- ciaran583
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
"I know we're not going to change everyone's life, but we can show every woman who comes here what is possible."
After a turbulent period in her life, Louise Cook is starting afresh in Leicester with her partner.
Looking for volunteering opportunities in her new home-town, an internet search suggested the New Futures Project might be the place for her.
It was, and the 38-year-old spent six weeks working as a volunteer in our drop-in.
Her dedication and easy affinity with the clients, shone through immediately.
So, last week we offered her the job of running the drop-in service - and she accepted that offer.
Our drop-in gives women a safe and welcoming place to leave behind, for a while at least, the harshness of their lives.
They come here to eat, get a shower, do their laundry, and choose a change of clothes.
Also, they can pick up other daily essentials to take away with them, such as food, condoms, toiletries, and personal hygiene items.
Crucially, the time they spend here helps them build bonds with us, meaning we can work out together what we need to do to best support them.
"I wanted to volunteer with a service similar to what I'd used when I was in the same place as some of the women who come to the New Futures Project," Louise tells us.
"I would like to show women here that life can be different.
"There is a lot going on under the surface with so many of the women here. Some are living in absolute chaos and need someone to listen to them and help them.
"I don't necessarily share my history with all of the clients, but I will if I think it will be beneficial for them.
“The women know they can talk to us, and they won't be judged. That is really important.
"Sometimes it’s just the small things that cheer you up.
"The other week I'd made a shepherd’s pie and when I came back in a few days later one of the women had left a note for me, saying 'thank you for the shepherd’s pie. It was lovely'.
"It's about remembering people's names even if they don't come in so often, remembering how they like their tea or coffee, and just making sure they know they will never be seen as just another face when they come here.
"There have been a couple of difficult days so far, but I love coming to work here. No two days are ever the same.
"I know we're not going to change everyone's life, but we can show every woman who comes here what is possible."
Della Kagure Brown, director of the New Futures Project said: "We are so so lucky Louise choose us to volunteer with.
"She has created such a brilliant rapport already with the women we support.
"Women who have experience of working with professional services quickly work out who is genuine and really cares about them.
"They need to in order to survive, and everyone who comes into our drop-in has nothing but praise for Louise.
"She is such an asset to our service and I am going to hold her to her promise that she will work here forever!
"Offering her a paid role was one of the easiest decisions to make."
Explore volunteering opportunities with the New Futures Project here and get in touch if you see something you think you could do.
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.
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