A donation of £1,500 from local business J.P. Morgan has enabled some new equipment to be purchased by the Water Lily Café.
The café forms part of the Water Lily Project (WLP) which is a charity supporting and empowering vulnerable women in the local area and helping them back into independent living. On a secondary level WLP supports the local community (men and women) at Water Lily Cafe which is the local centre of operations. The project was founded in 2011 and the café has been operating since 2014.
“Thanks to this kind donation we have been able to put in a much needed new freezer in the kitchen and complete the renovation work in our IT suite,” says Liz Carter, Project Manager and Support Worker. “The café is open to the public and the computers can be used for £1 an hour or one to one computer sessions can be booked for a suggested minimum donation of £5 an hour.”
70 women are currently part of the project and one free meal a week is provided.
“We are also able to signpost various organisations, run training courses and help with CV writing,” added Liz. “In addition we have a weekly Chatterbox event at our premises where youngsters and more senior folk are able to mix together and learn from each other!”
A variety of volunteering roles are available within the Water Lily Project and it is a wonderful way to become more involved in the local community.
Tracey Struthers-Frost, a member of the J.P. Morgan Community Relations Committee, went along to the café to see some of the activities in action.
“Christmas celebrations were in full swing and it was great to hear of the work that takes place. We were very pleased to be able to help in this way.”
J.P. Morgan employs 4,000 people at its technology and operations centre in Bournemouth and has a strong history of community engagement.
To find out more about Water Lily Project and how you may be able to help visit the web site www.waterlillyproject.org.uk