Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week!
Here at the PRSC we are constantly amazed at the kindness of our customers and volunteers. So we thought we would take a moment this week to acknowledge some of the projects we run, or work that we do which is completely powered by kindness.
At our Street Survival sessions we distribute Sleep Pods. These insulated tents were created by a Bristol charity which was set up by three friends who originally wanted to develop accommodation solutions for refugees in Dunkirk and Calais, and then realised their designs were needed by rough sleepers in the UK as well. Alongside the other fundraising they do, Sleep Pod is partly funded by a fundsurfer appeal, so as well as the kindness of its founders and volunteers, Sleep Pod is funded by the kindness of individuals.
Through Street Survival we also distribute toiletries, tents, sleeping bags and waterproof coats and shoes. We receive all of these as donations from friends and strangers across Bristol. Special shout out to the anonymous donor who posts us boxes of toiletries on a semi-regular basis, they are greatly appreciated. We would also like to take a moment here to mention the activists and volunteers of the Bristol Housing Action Movement who work at street level to support people in housing crisis, and who come in to support every Street Survival session.
The Stokes Croft Food Project was started when the two furloughed chefs at Jamaica Street Stores felt unable to sit idle when hunger was visibly growing in the neighbourhood and decided to do something about it. Since starting this project the SCFP has received thousands of pounds in donations through this crowdfunder and with the help of over 1500 volunteer hours generously donated by an amazing crew of kind people, we have put over 10,000 meals in hungry bellies.
SCFP has also been supported by the Bristol Food Union, the Bristol Homeless Forum, B.O.S.H, the National Food Service, Fareshare and Caring In Bristol all of whom rely on the kindness of individuals for either funding or volunteer hours. We have received food and other vital donations from Jamaica Street Studios, Love Bristol, Arthur David, the Laboratory of Things, Ocean Laundry and too many other generous people to list here. Every person who has chosen to spend £5 on a hot delicious meal at the SCFP Community Cafe, has paid for someone to eat for free.
At both the Street Survival Sessions and through the SCFP Community Cafe we distribute copies of Dope magazine for free to homeless people, who can then sell them on at £3 each. Dope is produced by Dog Section Press a not-for-profit publisher and distributor of seditious literature and a registered worker-owned cooperative. They cover all the publication costs with donations through their patreon account which is supported by individuals who want to see a fairer society.
The events and art projects run by the PRSC are supported by the generosity of volunteers, allowing us to provide space and facilities at low cost to charities, activists and talented individuals. Often these amazing people go on to create arts, cultural acts, campaigns, protest movement and offer direct support to those in need. We will soon be launching news about the second PRSC School of Activism programme, which brings together a huge team of talented and passionate groups and individuals in a group act of kindness to offer inspirational workshops and engaging debates at low cost to everyone.
The hard working PRSC crew are driven by a passion for creating positive change. At the beating heart of the PRSC the artists and makers of Stokes Croft China work their magic, creating beautiful and unique china pieces, which our shop crew and office team work tirelessly to get in front of our wonderful customers, who choose to spend their money thoughtfully on local businesses that invest in our community, and who are usually shopping for a gift, in a single and personal act of kindness.