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A Magic Me project is one powered by volunteers – from the Bank of England regulars who come over at Christmas-time to box up art materials to send to our care home projects, to the locals who help out with our intergenerational community arts sessions at our Bethnal Green home.
Taomi Simms is one of Magic Me’s volunteers. Normally you’ll find her stage managing at the Donmar Warehouse, but she also manages to find time to attend our Creative Mix sessions to help our primary school and 55+ participants find their places in the activities.
After last week’s session of making willow and papier mache birds – younger and older participants thinking together about home and migration through the medium of model birds – we grabbed a quick word with Taomi, and asked her what she was enjoying about the experience. ‘The patience in the room’ she said ‘There’s no rush rush rush. Both age groups speak their minds, and everyone helps each other out. And for the time I’m in the room, I’m off my phone!’
This is Taomi’s first volunteering role. Would she recommend it to others, we asked. ‘100% without a shadow of a doubt! she said ‘It’s a very grounding experience – completely wholesome – and you feel the love in the room!’
Thank you Taomi – and all volunteers at Magic Me and beyond. We’re always grateful for the support you bring – and it was wonderful to celebrate each and every one of you during Volunteers’ Week last week.
