Remembering: Stories of Transformation
“One lady who was originally a Marketplace member with us, appreciated Marketplace so much that she asked if she could volunteer on the team so she could support others. We were only too pleased to have her. What we have noticed is how much she has grown in confidence and wellness through genuine belonging.”
“A gentleman who came told us that he felt accepted, listened to and not judged. He realised that he had never had that in life before and everyone normally just walked past him. He was a Marketplace member for a year and said that he had never had someone go the extra mile for him before, to notice the details of his life so they could help him.”
“I remember a lady who said to me that coming to Marketplace had pulled her out of despair. She’d been able to make friends and felt safe enough to chat and share about her life and her trauma which had always been really difficult to do. It meant that we were then able to signpost her to the ‘coffee and safe space‘ support which our vicar runs so she could give her the time and support she needed for more specific care.”
“For another lady, it started her on a journey of faith. She’d always struggled to have respect for vicars but the vicar at Marketplace isn’t just seen once a week here, she visits around the estate too and the lady had noticed and grown to like her. She and others all got to know her and some have now trusted her to lead their weddings and funerals at church.”
“A lady who came to Marketplace to help out had been made redundant from work. It had really shattered her confidence and she continually apologised for anything she did or said, without reason. As her confidence grew, she realised she didn’t need to keep doing that and rarely does any more. Not only has she loved being able to give back to society but has also been able to use her volunteering at Marketplace as an example of her experience in job applications!”
One of the volunteers, Maggie, talked about the mutual transformation she has noticed for both volunteers and members coming together as a community. “SCM Marketplaces create community!” she says. “It gives us all something to come out for and helps the volunteers to really understand those who have had fewer privileges than we have, and that changes us” she says. “But that then enables us to learn how to empower others, in a way that works for them, to find a really positive path forward”. She comments, “I love having been part of helping friendships form amongst the members that come each week, and watching the growth of little communities that all started at Marketplace”. Maggie tells me about a ‘Crafty Club’ which began with just 3 people who enjoyed craft activities. It’s really taken off and is now very busy with lots of people in attendance.
The story of church transformation through Millbrook Marketplace is a very exciting one. All Saints church itself no longer has services but the leaders decided to turn the adjoining hall into a community hub through hosting a Marketplace, then running Sunday services at their sister church of St Peter’s.
As I listened intently to the volunteer leaders of the Marketplace recalling their memories, I also heard quite a list of names who through Marketplace have connected with faith. Many now attend St Peter’s church on a Sunday and a “Start” group (the precursor to Alpha) with their vicar in the week. Whilst I was seated at one of the tables listening to stories and taking it all in, a Marketplace member joined us and sat down opposite me. Before taking his seat, I watched as he first place his bible on the table in front of him. 😊