What's on
From family support, fitness classes and learning to art exhibitions, festivals and talks, our activities are wide and far reaching.
Sophie, Michael, and Shounak, from Ogilvy, swapped their day jobs to volunteer at Archbishop’s Park Tea Party, attended by older people from the SE1 community. They wasted no time, making sandwiches, setting up tables, serving teas and coffees, and even tried their hand at the quiz – which has become a staple for these events and somewhat competitive! I spoke to the volunteers about their experience.
“What did you enjoy the most about the day?”
Sophie: You don't often have the chance to meet new people, especially in London. You may smile at someone on the train, but you may not make the time to find out about them. It was interesting to hear from older residents at the event. They had some cool facts!”
Michael: For me it was the camaraderie between the older people and being part of their friendship groups for the day. You could have a laugh and a joke with them. They were very good fun!
Shounak: Agreed, it was great fun!
“Why Coin Street?”
Sophie: Ogilvy offices are around the corner, but I hadn’t really explored the area. I was surprised to find out about Coin Street and how you're giving back to the community.
Michael: Yes, it was cool to find out about a local charity.
Shounak: I liked that Coin Street supports lots of different people in the community, whether that’s older people or young people, with events and activities like the tea party. And do it well.
“We want to know more about you! What can you tell us?”
Sophie: Shounak and I are both medical writers for Ogilvy. I like embroidering. I recently embroidered my grandad sitting on a bench, and a bee, and I like to make random stuff from Pinterest.
Shounak: Before I got into medical communications, I was a pharmacist. I really like TV and movies and try to go to the cinema as much as I can. And yes, I’ve seen the Barbie movie. It was great!
Michael: I’m a senior editorial content manager for Ogilvy. I’m a bit of a gym bunny! I go five or six times a week. I play football a couple of times a week and I’m a Manchester City fan.
“What advice would you give to others who would like to volunteer for Coin Street?”
Shounak: Don't be nervous. I can sometimes be a nervous person when it comes to trying something new. But the Coin Street team and older residents made us feel welcome. It felt like being with family really. It was well organised – we had a schedule in advance, and an induction on the day, so we knew what our roles were, which helped.
Michael: Talk to as many people as possible, whether that’s other volunteers or community members. Make an effort to ask questions about themselves.
Sophie: Agreed. Just turn up and get stuck in!
A big thank you to Sophie, Michael, and Shounak, and to Ogilvy for their wonderful £294 donation. Are you a company based in North Lambeth or North Southwark who would like to get involved with Coin Street? Whether that’s to volunteer, fundraise, or donate, speak to us. Email Leila Hidayat via fundraising@coinstreet.org.
Written by Leila Hidayat, Fundraising Lead