If I may I would like to share a memory from growing up. It is funny how certain events, either good or bad, get lodged in the memory. There was this one time when I was probably in my late teens, where something happened that I will never forget. To you, it may seem really trivial, almost dull, but to me, it was something that I will remember to my dying days. I recall one evening sitting at home, probably bored (this was before the internet, Sky sports and believe it or not there were only 4 TV channels). I was settling down for another dull evening when there was a knock at the door. My parents went to answer it and at the doorstep were all my closest friends.…

1. Tell us a bit about you and what your passions are. My name is Sona and I design and deliver various creative workshops for adults and children. I am passionate about using art and textiles to improve mental health. 2. What have been your moments of joy in lockdown?  I’ve been really lucky to have a forest at my doorstep so being able to take long walks through the forest has been so calming. 3. When did you realise that you wanted to be an artist?  Growing up I’ve been surrounded by creative women, my mum was always making something. She loved sewing clothes and embroidery and that’s where I developed a love for textiles. I knew I wanted to help people through creativity but didn’t know how until…

  Trigger Warning: The content of this blog centres on adoption and does mention child abuse, which may affect some readers. I recently read a quote that was not attributed to anyone in particular which read, “The world may not change if you adopt a child, but for that child their world will change.” We have recently embarked on an incredible adventure with our son, who came to live with us two days before the first lockdown in March 2020. His story is so reflective of so many little ones caught in abuse, neglect and hopelessness. Pre pandemic statistics reveal a difficult picture, in a nutshell, just one quarter successfully make it through to a forever home. Imagine how different this will be in a new emerging landscape and all…

Tell us a bit about you My name is Elsa, I am 19 and have lived in East London my whole life. I am currently in my first year of university, studying at Goldsmiths college in London which, despite the challenging circumstances, I am making the most of and enjoying as much as I can. In my spare time I currently tutor and support some local families with home schooling online as well as continuing to enjoy all of the charity work that I have always loved being a part of. I also enjoy playing music, attending dance classes and spending time with my family. Why are you passionate about helping young people? I am passionate about helping young people because I have experienced and seen first-hand some of the…