Richard Luscombe If you have ever been to Manadon Sports and Community Hub, the Trust’s flagship community facility, you will have had the absolute pleasure of meeting Facilities Operative Faye Hardie. With her infectious smile and diamond personality, Faye encapsulates everything Argyle Community Trust stand for.
Faye has been supporting the community for over five years at Manadon, and has become an instantly recognisable, popular, and vital member of the team. From organising events for local families to enjoy, to supporting the Warm Spaces and Community Café, Faye is always the first to get involved and support the community, and has made many friends as a result: “I feel like I am a large part of it.” Faye proudly stated when asked about her role in the Warm Spaces and Community Café. “I put in a lot of effort to make every single session great and memorable, and I plan trips that are beneficial to people. I try to keep the mood light and fun every Friday in order to provide an escape to all who attend.
“It’s immensely rewarding to build up personal relationships with each individual and get to know more about them and their life, and how being a part of the café has impacted their lives.
“I have noticed increased confidence and happiness in those who attend regularly. It has provided friendship and support. Often people leave laughing, which is always a good sign, normally more chatty, and sometimes a little lighter after unloading things on their mind, getting a little bit of help and advice, and seeing their friends.”
Faye gets to see the impact the community sessions have on individuals every single day. Many are vulnerable, facing isolation and loneliness, or coping with bereavement: “Our café has had the largest impact supporting those feeling isolated. Many of our participants live alone or are carers, so don’t get much regular time to interact in a laid-back, relaxed manner with other people.
“Having it as a regular space to attend in their weekly schedule has had a positive impact on their wellbeing and mental health by giving them something to look forward to every week.”
Faye is naturally a warm and supportive person, including to her colleagues, which makes her the perfect person for her role: “I am motivated by seeing how much people appreciate what we do and provide. By seeing in real time the large impact something we deem so small can have on someone.
“Being told multiple times by different people that finding the café had saved their lives and that they wouldn’t be here without it, I value that the most. Providing something that has become a lifeline is the highest compliment you can receive.
“On one of our trips we had someone who hadn’t left the house in years join us. They are now a regular at the café. Providing these free trips to people who otherwise wouldn’t get out, and hearing how much it means to them, makes it all worthwhile.”
Being so closely involved in the sessions, and hearing first-hand from the community, has enabled Faye to have a real insight into the challenges people are facing. Having these vital interactions helps Faye, and her colleagues, gain a deep understanding, ultimately ensuring sessions are supportive to individual needs: “Mental health support is really important for those that attend the Hub. Poverty is an ever growing problem. There is such a diverse range of challenges that people face. We are in a strong position to use the power of sport and brand of Argyle to reach people, and our network of partners to signpost people if we can’t directly provide the support they need.”
One aspect of the sessions that really pleases Faye is the connections people make. Most have never met before but find common ground that can form lifelong bonds: “A lot of them have formed friendships and now see each other outside of the café, and they do things together.”
Another important aspect is how staff welcome the community to the Hub. Providing a safe, inclusive, and friendly environment where people can feel supported: “The interaction from staff, and having that support from me, I think that is what separates us from any other community space. They want to feel included and part of something, not just feeling like they are using our space.”
Faye is an asset to the Trust, and continues to use her experience, sympathy, and empathy to support even more community members. It has been amazing to see Faye’s progression over the years, something Faye is extremely proud of: “I have grown massively on every level. participants have provided as much support to me as I have to them.
“My eyes have been opened to the challenges that people face, especially older adults. I have learnt a new level of patience and empathy, and I see people differently now knowing their lives and circumstances. It pushes me to be better in my job to deliver as best I can because I want to be the change that makes a difference to them.
“They make me feel like I am making a small difference to our community, which makes it worth it. Friday is my favorite day, and I genuinely care about their wellbeing, despite it being challenging at times.”
Next time you are near Manadon, why not pop in, have a cuppa, watch some sport, explore the facility, and see what support we could offer you.
For more information on the Community Café, and other events and activities taking place at Manadon Sports and Community Hub, follow the Hub Facebook and X @ManadonSportHub, or call 01752 522202.
