Elena
How long have you been involved with the Booth Centre?
I have been a Trustee with the Booth centre for four years, and became Chair of the Trustees in November 2020.
What made you want to become a Trustee?
Having seen, in my working life, how difficult homelessness is for people with mental health issues, and how some psychiatric services were discharging patients back onto the streets because they have nowhere else to go, I wanted to learn more about homelessness and to support a service that makes a difference.
What's your favourite thing about the Booth Centre?
It doesn’t reject anyone, or turn anyone away, and takes a ‘whole life’ approach to support, providing people with new interests and opportunities. People talk about feeling part of the Booth Centre family.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since being involved with the Booth Centre?
I have learned a lot by being involved with the Centre, and in particular the shared pleasure we can all have through music and the arts, no matter what our lived experience is.
Any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share?
My main hobby is gardening, though much of this is done ’in my head’ as I always imagine what the garden might look like once the new plants I put in are established. It rarely turns out like that, as my garden is also shared with rabbits, an unruly dog and my grandchildren.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering, becoming a Trustee or getting involved at the Booth Centre?
However you get involved with the Booth Centre, whether you are looking for support, or thinking of volunteering or becoming a Trustee, don’t hesitate, it will be worth it.
I have been a Trustee with the Booth centre for four years, and became Chair of the Trustees in November 2020.
What made you want to become a Trustee?
Having seen, in my working life, how difficult homelessness is for people with mental health issues, and how some psychiatric services were discharging patients back onto the streets because they have nowhere else to go, I wanted to learn more about homelessness and to support a service that makes a difference.
What's your favourite thing about the Booth Centre?
It doesn’t reject anyone, or turn anyone away, and takes a ‘whole life’ approach to support, providing people with new interests and opportunities. People talk about feeling part of the Booth Centre family.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since being involved with the Booth Centre?
I have learned a lot by being involved with the Centre, and in particular the shared pleasure we can all have through music and the arts, no matter what our lived experience is.
Any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share?
My main hobby is gardening, though much of this is done ’in my head’ as I always imagine what the garden might look like once the new plants I put in are established. It rarely turns out like that, as my garden is also shared with rabbits, an unruly dog and my grandchildren.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering, becoming a Trustee or getting involved at the Booth Centre?
However you get involved with the Booth Centre, whether you are looking for support, or thinking of volunteering or becoming a Trustee, don’t hesitate, it will be worth it.