Last week, the Just For Women Centre in Stanley, Tyne and Wear, participated in an inspiring event that showcased the spirit of generosity and community collaboration. Kearna and Nickie Gott attended the Porlock Community Gardens for the re-donation of a double-decker bus, originally given to the centre by Stagecoach. The bus has now found a new home at Porlock, where it will serve as a valuable asset to the community.
Upon arrival Kearna and Nickie were warmly welcomed by Lise Barkas, the coordinator and manager of Porlock Community Gardens. Lise gave them a guided tour of the grounds, highlighting the various projects and initiatives that the bus will support. This gesture of re-donation is expected to benefit the community greatly, providing a unique space for activities, workshops, and events.
The event was also attended by two dedicated volunteers: Gavin Miller, who volunteers at Porlock, and Louise Mcelvanney, a volunteer at Just For Women Centre, their presence underscored the strong bonds between the two organizations and their shared commitment to community service.
In addition, Lauren Read who is the marketing manager at Stagecoach was on hand to meet the team and witness the re-donation. Her participation facilitated valuable networking opportunities, fostering new connections and collaborations that will further benefit both the Porlock and Stanley communities.
This event exemplifies the power of cooperation and the positive impact that comes from sharing resources and working together. Just For Women Centre is proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative and looks forward to seeing the wonderful ways in which Porlock Community Gardens will utilize the double-decker bus.
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Above: Gavin Miller who volunteers at Porlock Gardens and Lise Barkas who is the coordinator and manager of Porlock Gardens with their donated bus.
Linda and Lise Barkas who is from Parlock Gardens in Jarrow that have recently began a partnership together after meeting each other at a social enterprise they discussed their ideas/plans and how and what they could bring to their communities and how they could network in the future.
Nickie Gott who is the JFW Centre’s consultant knew a organisation (Stage Coach) that had a double decker bus that they held but was not in use and Nickie passed this information to Linda and Lise which got them to contacting Adam (from Stage Coach) to enquire about the bus and to discuss their plans and what it would be used for to then which led Stage Coach to this kind donation as both organisations work around to support their communities when it comes to mental health and support.
Both organisations agreed that the bus can be placed at Parlock Gardens as they had the space on their grounds as this would be mobile not static and would be re-vamped. The purpose of this bus will be used for room facility for variety of educational of skill building sessions, it will also be used for counselling, events around mental health or awareness months/weeks or support those who are vulnerable in the community.
This partnership symbolizes our commitment to community wellbeing
– Linda Kirk / Founder of the Just for Women Centre
Above: Gavin Miller, Louise Mcelvanney (volunteer at the JFW Centre, Lise Barkas, Nickie Gott (JFW Centre’s Consultant and Kearna Burroughs who is admin office and social media manager at JFW Centre.
Above: Nickie Gott who provides her consultancy work at the JFW Centre pictured with the double decker bus placed at Porlock.