Some feedback we received from users of the Ashwood Centre
Since January 2025 when my wife died I had to take on my wife’s house because of probate. I have had to pay bills for the house and for my own flat too. The solicitors said that because I am my wife’s husband and next of kin, I have to take responsibility for my wife’s house and bills. As well as that I have to care for my son who was a drug addict. I have helped him get treatment and a drugs programme. My son lives in my wife’s house. I’ve only got a state pension to live on so without this foodbank I’d have no food because I cannot afford to buy food after I have paid all my bills and my wife’s bills.
My universal credit doesn’t last a month after I’ve paid all my bills. There's not enough money left for me to buy food. I used to have a drinking problem but thanks to support from CGL (Change, Grow, Live social care and health charity) and this support group I’ve now got a goal to live well and be alcohol free. I’m now eating better since coming to the foodbank. Without the foodbank I wouldn’t be able to afford to eat.
I come to the Foodbank for help and encouragement which I need. There are friendly and helpful volunteers and staff. They provide us with a few hot meals in the week and a sociable place to meet up. Without it there would be days we don’t eat.
I come for food and water as I have no money left after my direct debits have gone. If this place were closed I would have to travel to other place. My ill health, I like to come and drink coffee.
The foodbank has helped me massively. They have provided me with a tent and everything I need while being homeless. The staff are amazing and very supportive. Without the foodbank I would be really stuck and still sleeping on park benches. Many people would be lost without their support. Very much thanks to all the staff.
Coming to the foodbank for me is helpful in more ways than none. The food is very helpful but more importantly is the kindness and helpfulness of all the volunteers and it has made my mental health issues easier since I’ve been here. I would miss it if it was not here.
I get support from friendly people and advice. People’s smiley faces made me feel welcome and comfortable. I get spiritual guidance, hope and faith. I feel closer to God. Without my place with Julie and the team, my life would be nothing. It gives me a great presence of faith.
I feel a part of my community. I feel welcomed and feel that I am liked. And I feel secure that I can eat because I have to budget. I would struggle and I would have to shoplift.
Seesaw is a massive credit to the community, bringing people together. I came with my son when it first opened years ago and I am lucky enough to now bring my grandchildren! But like everything the building is tired with mould in places and must be very hard to keep warm especially for young babies and children to use so a new building would be amazing for people now to enjoy and generations to come . Also the lovely hard working volunteers deserve a new building as they put their heart and soul into their volunteering.
I have used Seesaw Toddler Group in the past with my own children, and still do now that I am a childminder. It has such a friendly atmosphere, all the volunteers are extremely hard working and put every effort to make this the BEST playgroup! The time and effort they all put into every session, day trips, fun days has never gone unnoticed. I attend both Tuesdays and Fridays and there is always a good selection of activities/toys for all the children to enjoy. I would be very sad if this playgroup was to close. I would love to see the group get this new exciting building and see this playgroup going for many more years to come .
I’ve been lucky enough to experience both sides of Seesaw. I used to love bringing my little girl that much, that when she went to school I became a volunteer myself. This atmosphere is like no other & the friendly faces we have met along the way make our group grow more and more as the weeks go on. The people I’ve met at playgroups have become very close and special friends!
I attend the Seesaw Toddler Group every Tuesday and Friday as a childminder. It is difficult to find a more welcoming bunch of people who run it and will accept larger than usual groups of children . Would definitely be sad to see it go and look forward to it returning hopefully in the new building too.
I first went to the group around 7 years ago with my oldest. Then started going around 2.5 years ago with my youngest. It has been a massive life saver for me. A chance to get out of the house and mix with people. The people there are so friendly and welcoming. Everyone looks out for each others children and the volunteers are amazing. I always say what you do/put on for the community is amazing. So thank you again.
I’ve been coming to the Seesaw Playgroup for roughly 19 years now, both as a mum and now a childminder. I love it there. The volunteers are so friendly and helpful and will always offer help and advice when needed. Hope they get a new building as I know that’s what the volunteers have always wanted, pray everything goes well for them as I will still be coming for at least another eight years!!
Such an amazing, friendly place, I was introduced to Seesaw almost 4 years ago. I was made so welcome from walking through the doors - I felt welcome and wanted. I've been very fortunate to have taken my 2 youngest Grandbabies here, the ladies go above and beyond to accommodate all children and adults, they would definitely benefit from a more modern and bigger setting to continue to do what they do best.
I have attended Cafe22 for over 18 months. I thoroughly enjoy the company of lots of friends both old and new. It is very relaxing and helps me physically and mentally. Most importantly I joined Ashwood Church - I am a new happier person. If ever for whatever reason the cafe was to close I would along with others would be very unhappy and completely lost really. I would miss the whole package - not forgetting the refreshments and the delicious light lunches served by such happy volunteers.
We enjoy meeting up and being able to catch up in a calm and relaxing place. Good that people can donate what they can afford. Convenient place for my parents to come to. Staff are so friendly. My parents have made good friends here and are able to support each other and share advice. We would struggle if Cafe22 wasn’t here as having the parents group out of the school really works, so this venue is crucial for our parents to be able to meet and support each other.
Me and my partner love coming here, we feel is nice to have someone to listen and care. We also get food at reasonable price and gives us a place to socialise. Lovely staff. Love coming, sorry I’m dyslexic - so my writing is rubbish.
I enjoy the cake. I like to come and meet Gill (Cafe22 Leader). I’m really fond of you. Look forward to coming. I would miss it a lot if it was not here.
Meet friends and have something to eat and have a chat with everybody. I have met lots of nice friends. It’s like a comfort zone down here. Without it I would be sat at home being bored as I have nobody there to talk to.
Visits to Cafe22 are helpful to me personally for fellowship and company. Forming new relationships in a relaxed and welcoming environment. A place where no agendas are evident. If Cafe22 wasn’t here it would be missed as it serves as a meeting place for people who are sometimes not catered for in society nowadays. So it would be a difficulty for me.
Enjoy the company!! Great service - thank you! I meet people as I live on my own and it gives me a reason to go out at least one day a week.
I come down to see people and have a coffee etc. to chat and have conversation with people of mixed ages and backgrounds and for the company. If the cafe wasn’t here I would be stuck at home - listening to music, not doing much and being by myself. The cafe gives me something to look forward to and see friendly faces and gain advice about things that you might be struggling with. Thank You