THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

The Crisis Skylight Centre in Croydon has been operating for five years, supporting members to end their homelessness.

To celebrate, they invited guests from local organisations and community groups which had supported them during that time, to join one of the timed tours of the building on June 25 to see the facilities available to members and displays of the work they have produced.

The theme for the event was ‘wood’ referencing the five years they have been open and the craft they have produced during that time.

Barbara, Graham, and I were invited to one of these tours.

First, we were taken to the Technical Skills Basement Workshop where members are trained in DIY, painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, woodcarving, furniture restoration and upcycling. We saw a demonstration from one of volunteer members. The equipment available is outstanding and I couldn’t drag myself away from the amazing tool store.

We then visited a kitchen where cookery classes are given by a professional cook who volunteers once each week. One of the members told us how invaluable these classes were for him as he could now cook for six people at home who previously had been living on fast food. He said it took him a while to master chicken recipes, so they are pleased he has now moved on to something else. Those on the tour were given a sample of one of the dishes.

On our way to the Art Studio, we passed the laundry facilities and kitchen available for members’ use. The array of artwork on display in the studio ranged from painting, ceramics, needle craft and photography and I was able to speak to one of the members about his ceramic work on display.

Finally, the tour ended with a talk that also covered their PIE approach (Psychological Health and Wellbeing) around the physical environment and their approaches to working with members with various support needs.

At the end of the tour, we were each given a gift bag containing a wooden keyring handmade by members.

At the beginning of the evening, before the tour, we were each given a raffle ticket.

Amazingly, at our Presidents Handover Lunch on June 28, Christine Eyers announced that Graham had the winning ticket, and she presented him with a Connect 4 game, hand-made in wood by one of the Skylight members. 

Patricia Painting
02 July 2022