Jeorgina Soares
My name is Jeorgina and I am a mother of four wonderful boys: Prince, 23; Jermaine, 16; Kimani, 13; and Marcanthony, 11. I’m originally from Angola, hence I am a Portuguese and English speaker. I’m a qualified Youth Coordinator with many years of experience running a successful CIC as a co-founder of Triangoals in Barking & Dagenham. […]
Amanda Simmons
My name is Amanda Simmons and I live with my husband. I manage the Corner Coffee House in Green Lane, Dagenham, where we offer affordable refreshments for all. We’re a charity organisation and all of our staff are volunteers. We started up seven years ago due to a need for a community space in the […]
A one-man band
Since the pandemic occurred my business has been affected but I am still here, staying positive and hopeful for the future. My name is Derrick, I am a 57-year-old man and the proud owner of a small business called The Boathouse Cafe and Bar which is located in the heart of Barking and Dagenham. Since […]
Alison Cormack
During the lockdown I have come to understand the importance of taking care of myself and finding ways to make memories. My name is Alison and I live with my daughter. The night the news broke out on television, it was shocking. I never imagined the situation of COVID-19 would get to this point in […]
Emdad Rahman
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, I had the privilege of speaking with Emdad Rahman about his voluntary work for many different charitable organisations in East London. Emdad is a passionate volunteer for several charities, and he’s been keeping very busy during the pandemic, providing support to those who need it most. Here is […]
Natalia Lema
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, I had the privilege of speaking with Natalia Lema about her work, founding and running Cocoon – an early year’s support and playgroup for parents and their young children in East London. As a result of Covid-19, Nataliahad to quickly adapt Cocoon’s offer in order to meet the […]
Kemi Oloyede
Despite the numerous hardships that COVID-19 has brought to many of our lives, from queuing up for hours in supermarket lines, to being separated from loved ones, there are some people in our society who have used this situation to bring about greater good. Kemi Oloyede, the creative director of The Sew London Project, kindly […]
Almu and Valeria
We are Almudena Segura and Dr Valeria Giannuzzi, co-founders of the Hug Support Group: a community organisation which provides a safe space for mothers to feel heard, ask questions, and share their experiences. Valeria I live with my 21 month old son and my partner. With all that’s been going on, I do consider my […]
Subbiah V.
My name is Subbiah V. I live alone as my wife and daughter are stuck in India due to the lockdown. I don’t consider myself to be vulnerable. My initial reaction when the lockdown was imposed? Prior to the lockdown itself I personally wanted the shutdown and was looking forward to it as I work […]
Nighat Bhola
My name is Nighat Bhola. I am from a social enterprise called Humdum UK CIC, which is also a halal and vegetarian food bank in Barking. My initial reaction when the lockdown was imposed was becoming more concerned about how to do the service – the management of our food bank overtook thinking of my […]
