My Yard

It seems our My Yard Easter Holiday camp was a huge success. It could have all gone wrong as we have never tackled a non creative theme before during the holidays! We focused on bringing science to life with a week of free activities and meals for 25 young people in South Harrow who are entitled to free school meals. Thanks to the #HAF grant that made it all possible! 🙌 We had so much fun that we decided to film the last day to give everyone a glimpse at what we got up to! Check out the video below. We want to give a big shout out to Niamh Bush donating Easter eggs for all the participants. And a huge thank you to Dr. Bernadine Idowu-Onibokun PhD, PFHEA, MRSB for helping us recruit scientists, Dan Burke for making the holiday funding available, the estates team at Harrow Council for providing us with space, and Piotr Sell for filming! #scienceforkids #holidayactivities #youthwork #estatelife #youthwork

Thrilled to see some of the results of a creative shoot hosted by Henry Gorse assisted by Dani for the My Yard Changemakers. Using a medium format camera and Kodak disposables they called on Aliens to solve problems they continually face in their day to day lives. Things they feel that no one on earth seems to really either care enough to change or at least be in a position to find a proper solution. Well, look now at least they have a memory of the day the Aliens came to Grange Farm to listen and take information into space to ask their alien community if they can come back and help children. 🐀🐁💉🤬

Posting constantly on socials about My Yard is time consuming and just often feels kind of no one’s business except those we seek to help. But during this month am trying to give a bit of an overview of what we do regularly. I constantly respond to desperate calls, emails, what’s apps. Even after planning a bit of time out, there is often someone that require immediate action. A mother and son arrived less than a week ago (legally if it’s relevant) from a horrible situation in their own country. With very few belongings they have a place to stay but no bedding or suitable clothing. It’s not an ideal time of year to navigate government systems in a strange town. I made a call out on Facebook for clothes and shoes, took a trip to our warehouse for blankets and pillows and snacks. A few extras thrown in and I set out to visit them. Over a cup of coffee we shared stories and I learnt more about their journey. Advised, the best I could how to navigate the next few weeks. It’s not the items (although desperately needed) it’s a bit of time and care. A smile and understanding that is needed in times of dispair. Last night, South Harrow had a bomb scare and the entire road was shut down. Right outside this little families room. A few days after escaping a war in their own country. Who can understand another’s journey and what triggers them, how can we build a stronger community without taking time to talk to each other. There are no easy answers but that’s why charities like My Yard exist to hold space and try build bridges that are often collapsing with overloaded demand from services. I hope this lovely family now feel more confident to leave their room, explore and just secure enough to send a message to me if anything is confusing or scary. Thanks to all those who contribute to the work we rarely show the world, the My Yard staff and volunteers who constantly respond and care, the community who go through their home and chose clothes to give, who found trainers and boots and for the extras both local businesses and friendly people donate.

Massive thank you to all our wonderful supporters, staff and community we got through another year together building stronger more resilient communities. ❤️

Warm hub season! ❤️

🎄🎄🎄

It’s been a moment! We visit various Harrow Council sheltered housing schemes weekly but wanted to do something a bit special in the run up to Christmas. As we entered one of my fav residents who has become like a grandmother, hugged me, and in tears told me her brother eas being cremated today in Norwich, she couldn’t be there and it was triggering memories of losing her husband. Another, who usually cooks up a feast showed me her dressing from having a pacemaker op a month ago and said she just felt down. Their energy just felt lower than usual and I had second thoughts about our plans. Was it too much. Dani, our youth lead My Yard was completely undeterred as were Boden staff who had come laden with gifts, packed bags, loaded bags and dressed with sparkly headbands. We suddenly then had Santa (with a stomach made of paper towels, table tennis games and dancing. Then our Trustee Cathy Edgar appeared, setting up a healing table. Supported by the scheme staff we spent 5 hours talking, having cups of tea and cake of course still sharing surplus food from The Felix Project and a few treats from Food Bank Aid. Many laughs, hugs and conversations later I think we all left feeling better and full of love and kindness. It’s not about how much we do or give but the time we take to really be present together. Thanks to everyone who supports the work of My Yard so we can continue week in week out, year in year out while juggling other responsibilities. #harrowhousing #kindnessmatters #surplusfood #sheltetedhousing #communitywork