As we reflect on the first quarter of 2024, it's clear that the year has started with a flurry of activity at LHM. From providing essential meals to launching exciting activities, the past three months have been both challenging and rewarding. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening:
January: A Busy Start
Unlike the quieter Januarys of the last two years, January 2024 proved to be consistently busy. We provided 2,739 meals, with our busiest breakfast serving 66 people and our busiest lunch serving 107. It’s important to note that these meal counts are derived from main meals only, meaning the numbers reflect a minimum of the people we serve.
One of the highlights was our Burns celebration on the 25th, where we were joined by Craig Lawrie once again, an amazing piper from the band Drums and Roses. We also had the pleasure of Steven Hay, who addressed the haggis for the first time at our event, with a very passionate and heartfelt delivery. The occasion was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, fostering a wonderful sense of community.
Our volunteers have continued to play a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly. Their contribution in January was valued at £5,467, based on the national living wage multiplied by the number of hours they contribute, which gives a minimum estimate of their impact.
February: Continuing Strong
February was another busy month, with 2,738 meals provided—remarkably similar to January’s total. Again, these numbers represent only main meals, making them a minimum estimate of the people served. The value of volunteer hours for the month came to £5,800, which is impressive.
One of the real successes in February was the ongoing popularity of our activities, such as swimming and sauna sessions. Participants shared how these activities helped reduce anxiety and stress, with one person saying, “I feel so relaxed and calm and I melted my worried away.”
In total, Angela was very busy in February, with emotional support being the most sought-after service, with 60 instances recorded.
March: Growth and Community Spirit
March saw our busiest month yet since reopening in 2021, with 2,968 meals provided—230 more than in March 2023. As with previous months, these numbers reflect only main meals, ensuring that they represent a minimum count of the people we served. The demand for breakfasts in particular spiked, with our busiest day serving 78 people for breakfast and 131 for lunch.
Our Easter egg appeal was a tremendous success this year, with even more eggs donated compared to last year. These donations benefited not only the people using our services but also other organisations that support individuals in similar circumstances, spreading joy across the community.
Volunteer contributions continued to be significant, with the value of their hours for March reaching £5,990. Additionally, our activities grew in popularity, with the introduction of karaoke and allotment work proving particularly popular. Working on the allotment, in particular, has been a therapeutic outlet for many, enhancing mental health and well-being.
We also hosted a meeting for the Northeast Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (NHS), which brought over 100 participants to our venue. The feedback was fantastic, and we’re excited about the possibility of hosting new NHS employees for placements as part of their induction.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead The first quarter of 2024 has demonstrated the continued and growing need for the services we provide at LHM. Thanks to the hard work of our team and volunteers, we’ve been able to meet this demand while fostering a stronger sense of community through special events and activities. We are excited to see what the next quarter brings as we continue to serve and support those in need.
Thank you for your continued support!
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