Part Maasai part Ashkenazi Jew, Jamaican born, London bred. Early life was ‘interesting,’ our home shared with many random tenants with many problems, lively, chaotic desperate. All helped pay the mortgage. Both parents often working opposite shifts or dad galavanting. Exploring the country and making connections was his thing loading us three in the car for the ride.
Rebel teenager I escaped Balham asap finding Social Work with L B Haringey in a tiny Hertford hamlet. Loved its opportunities for country walks with under sevens and farm animals – pigs are Big! Marriage, children, social work sometimes meant I was repeating my parents shift pattern. Life chucks challenges so things changed, I raised my teenage sons into adulthood as a single parent then moved to Lincolnshire for Years!.
I’ve burned with righteous indignation at the many negative situations directed at the ‘us ‘ who are ‘other’ denied work or recognition, yet when reluctantly nudged into a Lambeth community group meeting I was surprised to be hooked. I Love – by us for us.
The work with Centric Community Organisation has gifted many others, who like me, research, investigate, learn and share, a place of beneficial challenge and growth. For those we interview, listen to, share time, hear darkness and hope, validate; perhaps personal developments and a way forward to greater paths.