On this extra special episode of OFFICE Spotlight™ we have partnered with TOMS to spotlight a local charity for the first time EVER in this series. Following the 10X10 Initiativefor World Mental Health Day with The Maya Centre last year, we couldn’t think of a better fit for the TOMS summer sandal range.
The Maya Centre is a community-based mental health charity in Islington, London, providing free, culturally sensitive counselling group work and complementary therapies.
TOMS are in business to improve lives. When you buy TOMS you help fund access to mental health resources for the millions of people who need them.
Wear TOMS. WEAR GOOD.
We had the pleasure of connecting with two volunteers: Bo & Samira – We caught up with them on the amazing work they are doing for the local community…
Introducing Bo
What is your role within The Maya Centre?
As a member of the leadership group, my role is to work with the other members to bridge whatever gap there may be between women in the community and the services Maya provide. To find ways to reach out to them and link up with other organisations to promote wellbeing for those women who for whatever reason find it hard to make that first step to ask for help.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
So, I consider myself a playful person at heart. I like to bounce about in my own world. I try my best to make others feel happy if I can, most of the time I’d say I achieve that.
Being neurodiverse myself, I have struggled to cope with life and other people and felt the very opposite of happy. Suffering abuse in relationships and self-medicating with alcohol and other stimulants I found myself in a very dark place, I had two choices, either claim my life back or continue to suffer.
So, with the help of friends and family, I started to live again, I had to be patient and kind to myself, it wasn’t easy. I was referred to The Maya Centre by the NHS. Being surrounded by women, nurtured and empowered by them has been a boost to my confidence and allowed me to pick up what was my first love, music and writing, which was my career before addiction took hold, I am now able to share my love for music and singing with other women.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I’ve been given so much good advice, personally I’d say, ask yourself does it really matter? 90% of the time it doesn’t, that way you keep it simple.
Favourite memories / achievements of 2023 so far?
My favourite memories of 2023 would be of the women I’ve had the pleasure to teach, their bravery, vulnerability, their joy, that in itself has been a privilege to share.
My favourite achievement is the ability to trust myself and learn to trust others.
Who would you nominate for OFFICE Spotlight?
I would nominate CLEAN BREAK.
A women’s theatre company, who produce ground-breaking plays on the complex theme of women and the criminal justice system. Helping women with workshops and projects in prisons and the community. They have transformed lives of women who have experienced the criminal justice system and those at risk of entering it.
Introducing Samira
What is your role within The Maya Centre?
My role as a Women’s Hub leader was developed to support potential service users through promoting services and sharing our experiences with mental health with prospective services. The purpose of the leader group is to reach out to women to inspire them to take ownership of their health and well-being.
As part of my role as a leader, I work to network with other organisations to bring services together. Working with the Women’s Hub has made me more confident and enjoyed seeing women engaging in services and providing women with an opportunity to expand their self-care techniques with the freedom of developing groups that would make an impact in women’s lives to empower and grow from experiences. I currently run the Young Women’s Personal Development Group and working to develop a Nutrition workshop.
Samira wears the ‘Sephina’ Sandals
Tell us more about the workshop you co-facilitated for Somali Gen Z?
The Somali Gen Z workshop came from feedback from the previous Somali group that was facilitated by the Somali Psychotherapist and one of the navigators. The group was conducted to support young Somali women to develop skills in managing their anxieties and self-care habits.
We explore various issues that we experience in our communities and work on how to prioritise our well-being. I became a co-facilitator and lead interactive conversations and share my personal experiences. I find it inspirational to see those young people engage with workshops and apply learning to their lives and feedback to the group through the 6 weeks. The activities we do consist of discussions, and we provide educational tools.
The purpose of this group is to help young Somali women navigate the world they’re living through, and access tools that they can apply to their own lives and gain skills in managing their mental health. I have developed my confidence and increased my self-esteem since participating in and co-facilitating these groups.
Favourite memories/ achievements of 2023?
My favourite memory of 2023 so far would be attending the International Women’s Day Event back in March, where I connected with women and had the privilege of hearing, their inspiring stories and participating in activities that shared and explored the power of women. I felt more empowered learning and listening to the women I met that day. Especially seeing clients engaging in services and having the confidence to ask for services they need and support to develop these services.
My favourite achievement has been working on the Somali Gen Z group as a co-facilitator and have developed my confidence in the past as a Leader.
Who would you nominate for OFFICE Spotlight?
I nominate Forward UK.
A women-led organisation dedicated to putting an end to violence against women and girls. They prioritise eradicating abuse and discrimination, from female genital mutilation and child marriage to domestic and sexual violence, allowing African women and girls to have the dignity, health, and equality they deserve.
Their services aim to support women and girls on the ground, bridge the gap between communities, provide skills and training, and empower young women to become future leaders. FORWARD UK services are conducted strategically to challenge and guide decision-makers and practitioners, which leads to the development of services that make a significant difference in women’s lives.
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