Member Journeys
Here are a few recent stories from members who attend Canterbury Umbrella regularly:
“After leaving college 14 years ago and looking for some voluntary work too I was introduced to the Umbrella Centre and began working in the kitchen. I was very shy and didn’t really like talking to people or visitors. But I was persuaded to attend several courses run by the Centre on confidence building and then other courses in English and Maths and this helped me a lot. I have been working as a ‘Welcomer’ for some time now – greeting our visitors, showing them what is on offer at the Centre and helping customers and members when needed. I also still work in the kitchen managing the till and taking customers’ orders.
While working here I was also introduced to the Marlowe Theatre through ‘Express Yourself Through Drama’. I have also been involved in the ‘Canterbury Shakespeare Festival’ and I’ve just been introduced to the ‘Really Promising Company’ which puts on plays with Kentish themes. In our latest production I will be singing as well as acting.
I never thought I would I’d be doing any of these things when I first started working and then becoming a member of Canterbury Umbrella.”
“I first came to the Umbrella Centre as my sister in law’s carer and attended the centre’s Christmas lunch celebration. I eventually became a member in 2007 and it helped me a lot when I had a mental breakdown due to the stress of my studies at College. I took part in the confidence building courses which really helped me. I started volunteering 2010, at first in the kitchen and then welcoming visitors to the centre. Now I have a number of responsibilities including being in charge of membership renewals and working as the members’ representative.
Through a few incidents in my life the Umbrella Centre has been a constant influence keeping my brain in check. Several bereavements have hit me hard over the years but I was able to use the counselling services offered through Umbrella and these helped me through the rough times in my life. I really like being part of Umbrella with all the people coming in it feels like my extended family.”
“I started coming to Umbrella in 2019 when it first opened after Covid. I enjoy coming as it’s a nice safe environment and good company. Overtime as I got to know what people did in the Centre I developed the ‘Creative Corner’ activity.
I used to be quite shy but I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself coming to the centre and now I like chatting to people. My confidence developed so much that I have been able to offer an activity for other members to enjoy as well.
There is always someone who can point you in the right direction if you need outside help. I look forward to coming here every week as It’s nice to be a friend to others and to have friends around you too.”
“I was encouraged to come to Umbrella in 2014 and after becoming a member I also started to volunteer. I just love coming to the Centre and helping people. I like chatting to people and making them feel comfortable. I also help in the ‘Creative Corner’ activity too.”
“I like coming to Umbrella because it feels safe and there are always people to talk to”
“The Umbrella Centre is a very welcoming place to visit. It is very well attended and the members and visitors are very friendly and polite. The volunteers are hardworking and very caring about everyone. The activities are inclusive of all the visitors and the food is excellent.”