by Pam Jenkinson – Night Light Café Project Worker

We have been really fortunate this year to have eighteen volunteers at our Night Light Cafes who are currently psychology students and attend either Bishop Grosseteste University or Lincoln University as part of their work experience placements. We have been overwhelmed with the quality and commitment they have shown to our project and many have continued to volunteer, even though they no longer need to put the placement hours in! 

Two of our outstanding student volunteers are Lauren and Ellie-Mae and I spoke with them about how they had heard about us. 

by Stacey Marriott – Night Light Crisis Café Coordinator

This week I caught up with two of the Night Light volunteers, Martin and Kathryn. Martin has previously been a guest at the Night Light Cafes and has recently applied and trained to become a ‘Peer Volunteer’. This role is for individuals who are no longer in crisis and want to become part of the Night Light community on a longer term basis, in a supporting capacity. Kathryn first applied to volunteer last summer and is now based with the Alive café at Newland on a Sunday evening having previously helped at the Bridge Central Café during lockdown 3. 

By Pam Jenkinson – Night Light Crisis Café Project Worker

I would want to start this blog with – of course – what a silly question! However, is it one? If someone has been set free because of the blood of Jesus, knows very clearly where they are heading, then surely there is no place for depression? Surely, Christians should be dancing and celebrating every day? What have they got to be depressed about or worry about anything? Don’t they believe the Bible when it says in John 8:36 – so if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed – there is no room for depression, anxiety or fear? Do they lack faith?

Yet …

By Lauren Johnson – Energize Activity Youth Worker

“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Over the past year, communities across Lincoln, the nation, and the nations have come together like nothing I’ve ever seen before. From doorstop and garden visits in the freezing cold, for a ten-minute chat about the week, to making meals as an act of compassion to those who have lost loved ones. This year communities everywhere have stepped up their game to love each other. I find it inspiring.

By Amy Colley – Lincoln Foodbank Coordinator

This week I went to the Bridge Community Hub to catch up with one of our amazing volunteers Charlotte. Charlotte first came to the Foodbank at the Bridge Community Hub as she was having an incredibly difficult time in her life. 10 months on Charlotte is now one of our Foodbank volunteers, she helps at the Bridge Community Hub twice a week and is an absolute asset to our team. 

By Stacey Marriott – Night Light Crisis Cafe Coordinator

I was recently offered a course of therapy sessions, and as a firm believer that such activity is beneficial to all, whether they are feeling the need for it or not, I jumped at the chance. Over the course of seven sessions, with the assistance of the therapist I identified areas of my life which were troublesome and in need of some work. I learnt strategies for managing these situations better and discovered so much about the inner workings of my mind.

By Luke Wallace, Energize Manager

I caught up with Lewis, a 16-year-old young volunteer at Energize, about how Energize has helped him and his experience volunteering with us.

By Bethan Lloyd

To quote Billy Joel, ‘the times they are a-changing’. 

It’s been a strange old year, full of highs and lows, new experiences and a sense of groundhog days. As restrictions begin to lift and the sun begins to shine, it feels like a good time to pause and take stock: to say thank you to those who’ve been our support, our bubbles, our lifelines during these past few months. 

(Of course, every day is a good day to take time to say thank you!) 

To help get your thanking juices flowing, we’ve come up with some ideas for you!

By Amy Colley – Lincoln Foodbank Coordinator

“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”

― Desmond Tutu

By Pam Jenkinson – Night Light Crisis Café Project Worker

Without our committed volunteers, the Night Light Cafes would not be able to function. We have a dedicated team, who want to make a difference to those who may be in crisis and have a desire to provide support and empathy to others.

I visited one of our cafes this week and caught up with one of our faithful volunteers Angela, who has been at the cafes for over six months now. I asked her what inspired her to give up her evenings to run the café and she said she didn’t like to see people struggling and felt this was a great way to help others and promote positive mental health.