Humbled by day centre welcome
Senior reporter Senior reporter I wanted to express my gratitude for the help and support I have received since I have been homeless. The Maidstone Day Centre has been amazing and so kind. I have met people along the way, and many have become friends.
In the past few months I have been to various night shelters in Maidstone and although I do not stay there I have been welcome to eat and socialise, which is much appreciated. I have encountered great support. These people are volunteers, and I have found good ears, someone to lean on, and a shoulder to cry on. I struggle to explain how amazing this is for me, a person not used to this way of life. I have been treated with respect and have not been judged, despite my failings. I am grateful and truly humbled. Anonymous Senior reporter Senior reporter Senior reporter Reporter September 2019 – giving other hall users enough notice to plan their requirements.
Busy Lizzy Nursery has been using the hall for 15 years and has eight staff members. As the main users of the hall, Sharon Mansfield explained if the preschool were to move to other premises, Fant Hall would not be economically viable and the hall would have to close. The hall is a great amenity to the local community. Sharon was also very keen to correct the error she had “kicked out” the pensioners from the hall. Sharon has always tried to accommodate all users of the hall and has offered BarmARA weekends, evenings as well as the 14 weeks the preschool is closed. Nicole Lee Co-owner, Busy Lizzy Nursery
The Kent Messenger has never stated the Fant Hall committee is “kicking out” pensioners. This phrase came from a member of BarmARA, who felt his group couldn’t be fitted into the hall’s bookings because of the extra free childcare issue. of things. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, shared his lucid view on the week and then gave a blessing for the people of Maidstone, which I share with you now: “Creator God, giver of all good things, you long for all people to live freely together. Pour out your blessing on Maidstone. Bless all who live and work, love and serve, struggle and celebrate, relax and thrive here. Open our eyes to see each other as gifts from you. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”