Spotlight on Rachel

March 16, 2016

Rachel moved into Poplar just over 5 months ago. Having already done a large amount of previous volunteering, Rachel got stuck right in – describing volunteering as a ‘gift’. She has done almost 70 hours of volunteering whilst living with us, mostly in the field of dance. Her latest project is a community dance class.

This is what she has to say about the experience:

When I moved into the Poplar Neighbourhood I got a real sense of a special community feeling and I instantly wanted to get involved. I run my own business, Rachel Sparks Dance, and the core of all my teaching is to support wellbeing and help people overcome the barriers that hold them back. I set up free dance classes with Jayne at Brownfield Community Cabin to offer something fun and accessible to the local community and have run 5 sessions of sequence dance lessons so far. Even though we have only had a few regularly attending the participants are enjoying learning new dances which exercise their bodies but also their minds. Julie said ‘It gets me out of the house to socialise…it’s good for the mind body and soul and my posture!’ Some of the participants are learning to dance for the first time but are enjoying the challenge. Irena says ‘it’s good for my health and fights alzheimer’s…makes me feel free and I enjoy the musical sense and flow’.

We would love to have more people join us every Tuesday morning 9.30-10.30am at Brownfield Community Cabin. It’s now open to men and women, but you don’t need to bring a partner and anyone can lead and follow. I’m really enjoying meeting the locals and offering something that contributes to their health and wellbeing, we’ve even thought of holding a tea dance soon – watch this space!

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“Being a property guardian with Dot Dot Dot means you do more than simply live somewhere. Instead, because you volunteer you really become part of the community. The best bit is knowing you’ve made a difference and have had a positive impact on those around you.”
Tim, High Wycombe
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Tom, Croydon
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Pete, Whitechapel
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Bella, Bow
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Caitlin, Whitechapel
“Living in a Dot Dot Dot property has enabled me to do much more volunteering and reduce my hours at my day job.”
David, Croydon
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Alex, Whitechapel
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Sam, Thamesmead
“It’s great because I often work from home. Because it’s a huge building you have you’re own space, but if you want to hang out with other guardians you can.”
Sarah, Whitechapel
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Carl, High Barnet