A WOKINGHAM charity that creates space for young people to explore life, is holding a fundraising event.
Soulscape’s autumn evening promises to be an evening of fun, with live music, dancing, South East Asian street food, and a licensed bar.
Money raised will help to support Soulscape’s work in the borough.
The group comes alongside young people mostly in schools, but gets involved wherever they are needed.
“We recently held an Air Hub at Reading Festival, to support festival goers and to create a community feel there,” said Soulscape’s operations manager Michelle McLeish.
“It was great to be able to help out, and to chat to the young people.”
Soulscape supported festival goers in a range of ways; helping them find lost property, giving directions, getting correct medical help, and simply being friendly and available for a chat when the crowds became overwhelming.
“At one point we had to think of creative ways to get phones out of toilets,” said Michelle, “but one story had a real impact on me.
“A young person came up to us very early one morning looking for a Reading car park.
“When we explained where it was, and how long it would take to get there, she started to cry.
“It was GCSE results day and her parents were travelling down to Reading to open her results with her.
“She said ‘I don’t even know why I’m crying, it’s too far, it’s too much and I’m worried because I really want to do well’.
Volunteers were able to have a chat, calm her down and give her dad a different postcode to meet his daughter nearer to where she was.
“I crossed some fields with her to meet her parents, and while we walked she visibly calmed down,” said Michelle.
“She was so thankful, and said she didn’t know what she would have done without our help.”
Other parents have told Michelle that just knowing we were there made them feel it was safer for their young people to go to the festival.
“We’re looking forward to being there again next year and would love more volunteers to join us.”
One youngster at the festival recognised members of the Soulscape team, as they had visited his school as part of Mind The Gap.
This project supports children transitioning from primary to secondary education in the borough.
“This month our Mind the Gap team were ready to welcome all the year 7s into their new schools,” said Michelle.
“It was wonderful to see them settle in and gain confidence as the week progressed.
“One head of yr 7 teacher said, ‘I would like to express how important and valuable this project is for our students.
‘One of our children really struggled, but was truly supported by the charity.
‘With their help, she was able to make friends with someone in her form.
‘Thanks so much, it’s a great project.’ ’’
Join Soulscape at their Autumn Evening next month.
The event takes place at Hare Hatch, Sheeplands, on Saturday, October 14.
Doors open at 7pm, and tickets are available for £20.
Food and entertainment, along with a complimentary drink and canapés, are all included.
For information and tickets, visit: www.soulscape.org.uk
