As the Spring Appeal continues to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness and isolation in our community, we wanted to share a positive story from Genesis Life Projects. Many local people have found community through Genesis Life Projects including Sarah. You might remember last year we shared Sarah’s success through Bath Boules – a team she joined through coming to Genesis. But how did she first get involved in our community and what impact has it had on her?
Sarah first started visiting us when we were based at St Johns Catholic Church. She was brought along by a friend and enjoyed meals. It was an important time for her to get out of the house and make new friends. Sarah has a number of mental health issues and she began to meet with members of our staff team to support this.
“Genesis really helped. I didn’t feel as isolated. I had my family, but after ‘Creative Twerton’ shut down, there wasn’t much around.’
Sarah became involved in our Life Skills courses. Over the years she has enjoyed art groups, Grow for Life and regularly attends knitting group on a Friday. She’s made lots of creative items and has learnt new techniques from volunteers and clients. Sometimes she’ll be crafting whilst also playing a game of scrabble.
Last year she was able to attend the Life Course where she learnt about the importance of healthy eating and sleep routines and how they both support good mental health. She liked the continuity of the weekly meetings and found it relaxed and friendly.
After the Life Course she began making a tapestry to represent her family. The Life Course has taught her not to rush things and be in the moment. She uses the tapestry to remember her four children, one of which was a still birth and the others she isn’t able to live with. All of her interactions with Genesis have helped her to cope with the difficulties life has given her.
Alongside the social aspect of Genesis Life Projects, Jill Sullivan supports Sarah through one-to-ones, helping her explore and tend to issues as they arise. She feels like Jill understands her and listens to her. She also knows staff member Nathan Gale from his time at Rose Cottage in Twerton. Sarah volunteers there and enjoys giving something back to her local community.
‘Without the staff members at Genesis, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. They have helped me so much. When we all eat together at the Friday lunches its like being a family. I am looking forward to them starting up again now that we’re back at Gateway.’
Sarah continues to be an important member of our boules team after winning her ‘young player of the year’ award last year. They are practising weekly ready for the league that starts on Tuesday 19 May and the big tournament on Queens Square in July. We wish her and the team luck!
There are many other people like Sarah who have found belonging and connection through Genesis Life Projects. If you would like to support our efforts to alleviate loneliness and isolation, please give to our Spring Appeal, which is open until 7th June. Thank you for your support.
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