SUZETTE REED - Social Enterprise Volunteer
/
Suzette Reed - Social Enterprise Volunteer
Suzette Reed is a volunteer for Whole Again Communities, Penzance. Founder Lizzie Sullivan has nominated Suzette as a fabulous, inspirational volunteer who now runs their most successful and inspirational activity; ‘Suzette's Poetry and Creative Writing Group’. So successful in fact they’ve had to add an extra day.
Whole Again Communities (WAC) is a social enterprise which encourages and supports people to learn to cook good quality, affordable food from scratch so that they can embrace healthy eating at home. Founded by Lizzie in 2013 on the stone soup principles, she began by running workshops for other women living on a shoestring budget with an interest in healthy eating.
Suzette says:
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to run the creative writing and poetry at Whole Again Communities (WAC). The group has become so busy and successful that we have had to run two days a week now (Wed & Fri 11-12pm – followed by a fab WACCY Lunch). The group members tell me they look forward to coming every week. The work they produce each week is wonderful. Such a friendly, caring group who are all gaining the confidence to read aloud their words and feelings. They have told me they find it very therapeutic. Although the group is currently unfunded, we have been approached by a local poet who may be able to help us to publish.
I’m 63 years old, lived in Penzance for the past 11 years. Born in Truro and went to an all girls’ school. I gained home tuition for the last four school years, due to, what they then called school phobia (anxiety). I found one to one beneficial; it gave me a better education and helped me become good with words and expressing myself.
I relate to people like me in the group who also suffer from anxiety and clearly gain support and acknowledgment from each other.”
Suzette's Poetry and Creative Writing Group
Every Wednesday and Friday, 11-12pm, with the option to stay and have a WACCY lunch and socialise, at the Salvation Army. Drop in.
Whole Again Communities
www.wholeagaincommunities.co.uk/about
info@wholeagaincommunities.co.uk
1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
That I have experienced trauma, domestic violence and survived!!
2. What motivates you to do what you do?
I’m inspired by words and through my own work being published in Penny Authors. I was approached by Lizzie Sullivan at WAC who asked me if I would like to set up a Creative Writing and Poetry Group as she and others loved my poetry.
3. What do you owe your mother?
My dear mum passed away in 2007 at 86 years of age, I wanted her to go on forever! Her patience and love in bringing me and my little sister up, a lot of love.
4. Which women inspire you and why?
Lizzie and the women at WAC, Maggie, Stephanie, Simone and so many others. Normal people like me, they cope so well with not a lot of money and loads of love and compassion.
5. What are you reading?
Terry Pratchett.. Discworld.
6. What gender barriers have you had to hurdle?
Domestic violence, my ex-husband.
7. How can the world be made a better place for women?
More equality, it’s getting better, with women’s football teams, women now do jobs that you associate with men. More awareness of Menopause Self Care needs more groups and better support to help navigate through the health issues and feelings. I was given tablets for depression and no support to deal with the menopause. The male doctor did not even make a mention of menopause, even though I was 50 years old. I was too embarrassed to ask about menopause myself, I would have preferred to see a woman. If surgeries could have a MSC support group, it could avoid harmful misdiagnosis and help women to cope better and be healthier going through the next stage of life.
8. Describe your perfect day?
Sitting in the sun watching people go by on Causewayhead. Lovely dogs, chatting to the passers-by, something very relaxing about it. Petting and cuddling my cat called Smudge! Very therapeutic. Being with my friends at WAC.
9. We've noticed there really aren't many (if any) statues of women around Cornwall - who would you like to see remembered?
Helen Glover… women who are brave and strong and strive to help others, and do things to help others - Lizzie Sullivan, Lynne Dyer and the like. A communal statue of women community leaders.
10. Give us a tip?
Never just judge people by first appearance!