Through community lunches and employability schemes, Shepherd’s Star helps people create sustainable, happy lifestyles.
Co-founder of Shepherd’s Star Laura Povey said the charity was created by five friends who felt there was a lack of support for vulnerable people in the area.
When asked about the aims of the organisation, Laura said: “To help men and women who have fallen through the cracks.”
One way they do this is through their Explore programme, a weekly initiative for individuals to refine their practical skills and confidence.
Over the course of six weeks, the team at Shepherd’s Star give people the opportunity to establish themselves in the community and break social exclusion barriers.
Laura shared a moving story about a man who was once paralysed with social anxiety went through their Explore programme and now is a performing poet.
Laura said: “When we first met him, he couldn’t leave the house. Now he stands up in front of huge groups. It’s amazing to see how support can completely transform someone’s confidence.”
Now, he works as a volunteer for Shepherd’s Star, making his journey a full-circle and an inspiration to Laura.
Their new project Shine is a barista training programme for those struggling with unemployment.
Over four weeks, trainees work in a café and gain their barista qualification, opening doors to more career opportunities.
Laura reflected on another anecdote about how the simple act of remembering someone’s name can have a huge impact.
“My colleague Desiree always made a point of learning names at the soup kitchen,” she said.
“And she once told me that for people experiencing homelessness, their name might be the only thing they truly own.”
The small act of recognition of greeting someone by name or telling them they’ve been missed creates a sense of belonging that many miss.
Laura said: “It’s that sense of being seen, of being heard.
“For many, it’s the closest thing they have to family.”
Charities like Shepherd’s Star gives a support system to those without family, friends and community.
To find out more about Shepherd’s Star, see here.
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