Out and About at Chapel FM
In November of last year, Clare Jackson, one of the Leeds development workers for MESH, took part in a radio interview for the Bridges not Borders series at East Leeds Community Radio. You can listen to the interview here
East Leeds Community Radio say of themselves “we are a digital/internet radio station based at Chapel FM Arts Centre in Seacroft. We celebrate the stories that we all have, encouraging people to find their own ways of sharing them through conversation, music, comedy, writing, sports and other skills.”
I was interviewed by three young men who volunteer at the centre to develop their skills and gain experience for work. I was impressed by their confidence in being recorded for the show and asking questions (I was really nervous!).
It was a real pleasure to have a chat with these young adults and to talk about how I became an ESOL teacher and why I enjoy my work both as an ESOL teacher and for MESH. The work that Chapel FM are doing is a lovely example of a grassroots organisation connecting with people and making a real difference.
It just so happened to be a Wednesday that my interview took place. This happens to be the day that the kitchen is used by people of different nationalities to cook food from their own countries and then sold to the community on a pay as you feel basis. So after the interview I enjoyed an Iranian meal. Previous weeks had seen food cooked by Eritrean chefs among others. The Wednesday cafe is open from 12 until 1 but arrive early – the food is popular and disappears quickly!
I left the centre with a full tummy and feeling very moved by what I had experienced there – compassion, warmth, welcome and seeing friendships developing. It is amazing how people are impacted when they are made to feel welcome and given opportunities to shine.