Last autumn we helped local charity Jackie’s Drop In to secure new premises and granted £10,000 towards the cost of core refurbishments to their new site. As well as awarding the grant, our Property Team worked with the centre to draw up a specification list for the unit, which was transformed into a bright and welcoming space for users and staff alike. We caught up with the team to see how has settled into their new home.
The first thing you notice when you enter Jackie’s Drop In is the noise; be that the shrieks of laughter from the TV room, the chatter from the craft area, or the banter between a taxi driver picking up and a visitor trying her luck at the fundraising tombola stall in the entrance hall, it’s clear this is a place where fun is strictly on the agenda.
I visited just after lunch accompanied by founder Jackie Nealon. The centre provides adults with disabilities a much needed safe and fun environment. For many it’s the one place outside of their home where they can relax and where their disability doesn’t matter. “Everyone’s equal here, there’s no them and us”, commented Jackie, as we watch some of the users setting up for an afternoon’s craft session. “This is a very special space and we’re all incredibly proud of it.”
Jackie’s pride is justified. Having single handedly founded the group she has been fundamental to its success. From fundraising and volunteer coordination, to planning activities and project managing the refurbishment of the new building - Jackie is a woman of many talents and most definitely not afraid to get her hands dirty.
Standing in the foyer of the new building Jackie’s points out the new salon area: “It’s great isn’t it?” she asks. “We’ve come so far and we’ve got some fantastic ideas still to put into action.” The salon is a case in point as Jackie is hoping local beauticians and hairdressers will come in to enable users the chance to have their hair done or nails painted, a real treat for many of the group. Next to the salon is a computer room and TV screening room, with a dedicated area for arts and crafts opposite. At the end of the corridor is a café, serving drinks throughout the day and hot and cold lunch options.
It’s busy and full of life. Jackie wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re here to build confidence, self-esteem and help stop social isolation, be that by running some craft activities or simply chatting to someone over a cup of tea,” she commented. “Some of these people wouldn’t leave the house if it wasn’t to visit the centre, which is just too sad to contemplate.”
Upstairs there’s a pool room, sensory space and a quiet private area, where users can confidentially discuss any issues or concerns with volunteers. “Hate crimes are unfortunately part of life for many of our users,” commented Jackie. “It’s not a particularly nice element of the work we do here, but support and counsel are a vital service we offer our users.”
Indeed the whole facility meets a gap in services in the town and wider area. More than 250 adults use the centre, with support also provided to carers, support workers and loved ones. Users come from across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, with some members travelling from North London.
The centre is open weekdays from 11am - 3pm. As well as pool, video games and crafts, there are a range of education and lifestyle courses offered to users as well as days out or visits to the cinema and theatre. Entrance is £3.
Jackie’s Drop-In relies totally on donations – if you’re interested in helping them out, pop in and meet the team between 11am and 3pm from Monday to Friday, find them on social media or see jackiesdropin.org.uk.
