01 Oct Sharing Hardship And Answering Questions

It’s been a busy few months in Kings Ash as we get Pride in Place for Paignton Community Engagement underway.

We have enjoyed two free family fundays. One was held at Great Parks Community Centre in QED, with the Paignton Fire Engine and our local PCSO in attendance. The other took place at Foxhole Community Centre, where, amongst other fun things, was the biggest inflatable bouncy tractor I have ever seen. Both events were organised by teams of volunteers at each centre, who continually give their time and effort to support our local community. They were great events with a good turnout! We also had free afternoon cream teas at the Crafty Fox, with lots of great conversations.

One of the groups supporting the community is SHAAQ, who played a key part in organising the Foxhole Community Centre event.

SHAAQ (Sharing Hardship And Answering Questions) was started approximately five years ago by two friends, Natasha Hippolyte and Lindsay Mansell. They noticed that other people did not have the support they had as friends and saw a need for a group offering support and advice. The group grew quickly through the advice and friendship Natasha and Lindsay provided, including helping people access support, complete forms and providing signposting.

Lindsay and Natasha are visible at schools, as they have young children themselves, making them approachable and relatable. SHAAQ can also offer legal advice, due to Natasha’s law degree.

SHAAQ tries to bridge the gap between services, where lengthy waiting times exist; people need someone to talk to while waiting. SHAAQ offers that support. It is free, confidential and volunteer-led.

SHAAQ also offers free hot meals to anyone under 18 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays alongside the team at Foxhole Community Centre. They really are a force to be reckoned with.

For any information about Kings Ash, contact Community Builder, Sarah Greener on 07977635984 or email [email protected]