Faith in Action (FiA) exhibition

Kindness of Strangers – Textile Art Exhibition (7-18 May)

Many of you will remember the touching story of Thomas from earlier this year – (reprinted below).  It inspired local artist Sarah McAlister to create a new textile panel which is included as a work in progress in her exhibition A Kindness of Strangers.  

Sarah would be delighted to meet FiA volunteers and supporters.  All visitors will be invited to leave an outline of their hand as part of this new piece which celebrates the work of volunteers in our area.  The finished panel will be displayed in public spaces.

Sarah’s exhibition runs until May 18th (next Sunday) from 12-6pm at the Norman Plastow Gallery (upstairs at the Wimbledon Village Hall), 26 Lingfield Rd, Wimbledon Village, SW19 4QD.    See here for more details.

Thomas’s story
Several years ago, Faith in Action had hit a number of brick walls in attempting to support a Merton resident to move home after he alleged abuse and harassment by his neighbours. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to resolve the situation with his housing provider, and continuing problems with the neighbours, Thomas felt unable to return to his home and spent nearly three years rough sleeping.

It was only when Thomas was befriended by a couple, Suzy and her husband Chris, that his situation began to change. Over time they built trust with him and learned that he had previously been supported by FIA. They contacted us (with Thomas’s consent) and we were able to clarify the situation and suggest courses of action they could try. 

After more than a year of showing Thomas care and commitment, Suzy and Chris raised a safeguarding concern which highlighted his plight.  As a result, Thomas’s housing provider finally understood the seriousness of his situation and, after several meetings, they offered him a transfer.

Suzy and Chris went with Thomas to view his new flat, which he liked. They got in touch with us and told us that he had to move very quickly.  Of course we wanted to help, so we borrowed a van from Dons Local Action Group, got together a group of volunteers, and booked a slot at the local Reuse and Recycling Centre for the following Saturday.

Everything came together on the day as we all worked together to move Thomas into his new flat – helping him to sort and pack his belongings, transporting everything to his new place, arranging it as he wanted and taking unwanted items to the recycling centre.

Grace said that the most moving part of the day was when they were in the property with furniture in situ and she noticed Thomas taking his shoes off before walking on his new rug.