OUR guests tucked into mince pies, shortbread and some fancy biscuits with their coffee and tea as we ushered in the festive season with our Ubuntu Christmas coffee morning.
A frosty start to the day, and Boris Johnson’s announcement that Covid-19 restrictions were to be tightened in certain places again, didn’t stop a few hardy souls from making their way to the Paston and Gunthorpe Community Centre, in Hallfields Lane, Paston, Peterborough, for a 10am start.
The coffee mornings are named after the African philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’, which places emphasis on ‘being self through others’, as Ness M Care Foundation (NMF) recognises that no-one in society should be left behind.
The events encourage those who are socially isolated to get out into the community to meet and form friendships with those in a similar situation. With some festive music playing in the background, our beneficiaries chatted to each other and between them tried to solve some tricky Christmas anagrams. Some lucky people went home with raffle prizes including festive chocolate biscuits, shortbread and fudge, a gift box of toiletries, a box of Christmas chocolates and a box full of everything you might need for a cosy night in. Guests could also grab a present from our lucky dip bag.
Jackie Moyo, the charity’s founder, who originates from Zimbabwe, decided to set up NMF when, as a nurse, she found she was often the only person her patients would see for days, even weeks, at a time. She was there at the coffee morning to chat to guests and to make sure everyone had a hot drink and refreshments.
The best thing of all was that new friends were made and people seemed keen to come to our next event.
Our beneficiaries, staff and volunteers are a friendly bunch and will have a smile and a warm welcome for any newcomers. People of all ages are invited to come along. After all, social isolation and loneliness don’t just affect you as you get older. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has made the situation worse for many. There isno charge for our coffee mornings, but please bring some change to participate in our raffle and some table games.
If you or someone you know is interested in attending our next Ubuntu Coffee Morning, please email: charity@nessmfoundation.org and we'll add you to our contact list.
