Mary's 10th Anniversary Stories: Phil Moore

Phil Moore, Volunteer at South Islington Stroke Club

I first came to Mary's twenty years ago when asked by a fellow St Mary's Church attender if I would volunteer at the South Islington Stroke Club. The club has always met on a Thursday 12 - 2 in the Garden Room of Mary's - or the Neighbourhood Centre, as it was then known.

The Stroke Club aims to provide a few hours of relief and relaxation for stroke survivors and their carers, with a once a week sandwich lunch,  followed by an hour of various activities - a break which might not necessarily be available to them otherwise.

The Garden Room is a lovely, large, light space overlooking the gardens of St Marys and has always been loved and appreciated by our clients for its easy, ground floor access, large, adaptable space and soothing garden views ( often enlivened by various dog walkers !)

Mary's has therefore provided a haven for the many disabled people we have had attending over the years.

With the change to Mary's, ten years ago, the Centre has become much more professional and we have had the advantage of being able to call on far more staff help, when necessary, from the receptionists, caretakers or Centre Managers  - all of whom have been fantastic - friendly, receptive and unfailingly helpful to us.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the Stroke Club for so many years and to volunteer in a friendly, uplifting environment like Mary's.

Happy 10th Birthday Mary's!  We look forward to celebrating many, many more anniversaries with you in the future.

Phil Moore