The Impact of Community

By Sarah Tieck

I want to return to the recent past with you, you may not recognise me. A shadow of myself, a shell of a person surviving day to day. A mother caring for her child, that's where it ends. Self care, the epitome of selfishness. I’ve not showered in a week, but TODAY was THE DAY. I’m looking in the mirror now, fresh out of the shower, naked. “You can do this”, I tell myself whilst filled with self hatred. Looking at myself in the mirror, seeing an echo of my former self. Today I am going to take that step and force myself into that community centre I walk past nearly every day. I’ve dropped my daughter into the nursery. Now I’m here.

Standing under this tree, the wind urged me forward. I see a man with a white beard come out of the shop, eye contact. Now I’m committed. Here I go... And That was the turning point for me.

You may have heard me say that walking into CHIp was the best thing I’ve done for myself, it’s no exaggeration. I have been reborn. Returning to this time brings tears to my eyes. Currently I’m sitting in CHIp, writing this. Led Zeppelin in the background, the same bearded man talking “chess” with my daughter. Ed scrolling his phone, Chris telling the story of one of his pieces to Oscar, and Helen showing me one of Karl’s designs on one of her dresses. I always speak so fondly of the life changing effect walking into CHIp had on me. I’m now an active member of my community, volunteering both at CHIp and at The Hive. I’ve started my own business, and am adding the finishing touches to my training program. Teaching self confidence, how to sell and how to provide excellent customer service, which will start in September.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say

Thank you CHIp.