Dear LPG, 

It has been a while since I went out for all the obvious reasons, but I have decided to give my children a rest and do some of my own shopping again.   During the pandemic my daughter has been taking me to one of the big shops where everything is in one place, although the choice is a little limited.  I am triple jabbed now and I have really miss doing more than taking a walk to the park, so one day not so long ago I decided to get brave and take a trip to Lewisham market on a bus.  

It has been a while since I went to Lewisham and, as I was passing, I noticed a new market in front of what used to be Lewisham Swimming baths.  There was a bus stop fairly close so, on the way back, I got off the bus and went to take a closer look.  

I asked a few questions and found out that it is called the Lewisham Donation Hub, and they do a sterling job as they make so many things available to those that really need and appreciate them. (Clothes, shoes etc.)  They offer free food, including some prepared meals and, unlike many food banks there is no referral system.  They also offer advice about other agencies who can help those facing hardship.  If you need stuff you can just visit and take a look.    

I also noticed that they are always looking for donations so that their work can continue and I know that, as we get older, there are often things that we would give away if we could find a good home for them. 

I am sure that what I learnt by asking a couple of questions on the way home gives a shallow understanding of what they do, but they do have a web site which I will be looking at in more detail to see what I can do to help.

There are two things that I learnt by venturing out that day.  The first is just how many have been affected by the pandemic while I have been shielded from what is really going on around me, because I have been hidden away at home.  The second thing is that getting out, and off the bus a stop or two before yours to take a closer look, is sometimes a really good idea.  After all, with a freedom pass it costs no more, and we pensioners are the ones most likely to have a bit of extra time on our hands. 

GF, Catford 

GF shares the Hub’s website…

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