At Tiger we are really proud of our people.
Lots of people are drawn to us, whether it is through one of our projects or because they have become a volunteer. It's because we offer a warm, safe space, a nurturing place to belong and build skills and confidence.
Some people stay for a short time, get help and support and move on, others stay a while, growing all the time.
Recently a few people come to mind when I have to remind myself why we keep going at Tiger despite getting turned down for funding - it's not us it's the sheer volume of groups applying!
Someone who has been part of the Tiger family for over 6 years has recently moved on to pastures new, securing her first paid job.
She started coming to sewing classes pre covid. Then, during lockdown, became one of our amazing team of volunteers at Carrington Street. She helped with producing items for key workers and coordinating requests for delivery. Then she joined Mel as a key volunteer when we launched the Super Project. She showed her skills at organisation and social media - including writing content and being interviewed about the project. She also helped Tiger manage volunteers, at our Community Hub at Listergate and more recently at All Souls. Her background was as a care leaver, with minimal formal qualifications, and a number of health issues. She has grown so much over our time with us, with both skills and a confidence in her abilities. We know she will continue to blossom as a valuable member of society.
We have also been working with Space Inc, offering volunteering opportunities to young adults with learning difficulties.
We love having them with us, they bring so much enthusuasm and are willing to have a go.
Aaron decided he loves coming to Tiger so much he is with us every day we are open. He's learned how to cut fabrics, helping prep items for our community sewing. He also helps with our Tiger Eats food preparation. He is using his initiative - getting the camping stove set up at Windmill Community Garden, ready for cooking, setting up the wash up station and helping with the cooking - making sure the pot has a regular stir!
Without our projects running we wouldn't be able to offer opportunities across time for those that may take a little longer to get to the point of being more independent and self aware enough to go out into the world with confidence.
So we start another week with enthusiasm that we will get a yes on our next funding application and in the meantime we keep being Tiger.
If you want to support our projects please consider making a donation:
https://tigercommunitystore.co.uk/products/donation
Or why nor buy one of our fabulous handmade volunteer makes:
https://tigercommunitystore.co.uk/collections/all
Or come along to one of our activities - you can find out what we are up to on our socials: