Celebrating 16 Years of Impact – A Legacy of Compassion and Growth
This October, we proudly celebrate the 16th anniversary of Listening Ears since its registration as a charity in 2006. Over the years, our journey has been marked by unwavering commitment to our community, and we take this opportunity to reflect on the significant milestones achieved in our pursuit of compassion and connection.
Reaching Thousands, Bridging Communities Through our diverse projects, we’ve extended a helping hand to countless Greenwich residents and beyond. From the empowering young women’s project, “Rosebud,” to our beloved elderly people’s weekly socials at the “Feel Good Centre,” our volunteer-led befriending initiative, “Community Angels,” and our virtual discussion platform, “Let’s Share It,” we’ve continued to embrace and support the most vulnerable members of our community.
A Decade of Empowering Young Women In 2020, after a decade of full-time operation, the “Rosebud Centre” was concluded, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. It provided vital support to over 800 girls, with funding from esteemed organizations such as the Community Fund (Big Lottery) and BBC Children in Need.
Feel Good Centre: Fostering Health and Community Our most prominent project for adults in the borough, the “Feel Good Centre,” is a beacon of connection and cultural exchange among those over 50. Established in 2006 at the Abbey Wood Community Centre, this vibrant hub has supported more than 2,500 individuals to date. In 2018, we expanded our reach through “Feel Good at the Atrium” in Thamesmead, in partnership with Peabody.
A Milestone Celebration To mark a decade of service, we hosted an event that brought together our members, partner organizations, collaborators, donors, and funders. It was a testament to the strength of our community.
Meeting the Challenges of a Pandemic The last eighteen months presented unprecedented challenges, with the pandemic amplifying isolation, loneliness, and depression for many. Thanks to our dedicated funders and donors, we continued to provide crucial emotional support and food supplies. With Sainsbury’s generous support, we distributed dry foods to our members and food bank program participants.
Adapting and Thriving: Going Online In March 2020, we transitioned our weekly socials for the elderly online, ensuring that our members could stay connected. This shift provided an opportunity to offer computer literacy workshops (in collaboration with Ravensbourne University) and distribute tablets to those facing financial hardship. The online platform enabled members to learn new skills, engage in gentle exercise sessions, and foster a sense of community.
A Bridge to the Future: Reconnecting In Person As the cost of living continues to rise, we are working diligently to expand our reach, including those with limited access to online spaces. Since October 2021, our weekly socials for those over 50 have resumed in person, and attendance is steadily growing. For those in highly vulnerable categories, we continue to offer online sessions to ensure that no one is left behind.
A Greener Future: Upgrading our Mini-Bus In the coming months, we aim to raise funds to upgrade our minibus to a low-emission vehicle, aligning with the ULEZ restrictions imposed in 2021. Donors can make one-time contributions or become monthly partners through Direct Debit. As a grassroots charity, your support directly fuels our projects and benefits those who need it most.
Your belief in our mission is the foundation of our success, and we are deeply thankful for your unwavering support. You can access our annual accounts on the Charities Commission website.
As we celebrate 16 years, we look forward to the continued journey of compassion, community, and change.
With gratitude and optimism,
The Listening Ears Team
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