Explaining the value of Great Croft

Published: 10 February, 2011

• I AM a 70 and suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and depression and I am the main carer for my husband.  

Great Croft Resource Centre has given me respite from caring for my husband and has been very important to me. I always come to the Great Croft carers group and get support and information. Please don’t take my centre away from me.

AMENA BEGUIM, NW3

• GREAT Croft has allowed me to integrate with the community as I have always felt left out owing to my caring role.  

I look after my husband, who is suffering from a memory problem. When I come to the Great Croft carers group I feel I am part of the community and, at the same time, I get the respite that I need.

SHOBA DAS, WC1

• TWENTY-FOUR seven I look after my husband, who can’t do anything by himself.  

Great Croft is the only centre where I can go and get help with different issues. It is a very friendly place where I can mix with lots of people from different backgrounds.  Without it my life would be very difficult.

RAHIMA BEGUM, WC1

• WHEN I arrived in Britain from Bangladesh six years ago I knew no one and could not speak any English. 

I felt lonely and very unhappy. I care for my husband who is ill. It was two years before I found Great Croft and my life has been transformed. I have learnt English at Great Croft. I still feel down at times. Great Croft is the only place I can come and feel happy and I have made friends. It is really important to my life. All the staff are very friendly and I feel supported. I have experienced troubled times. It is vital Great Croft is not closed.

HASNA KHAN, WC1

• I WORK at Women and Health as a massage therapist. 

We offer Bangladeshi/ Asian Family Carers Group run by Suhel Siddiqui massage sessions and also health days at Great Croft.

This group finds Great Croft a safe and helpful place where to go for advice activities and social events without the barrier of language.

I work at Great Croft once a week and for the past four years I have seen how much work has been done for the community. Beautiful place. It’s heartbreaking to see it under threat. It is a crime!

ISABEL FERNANDEZ
Massage therapist

• I attend Great Croft centre which is supportive and I mix with other people from different backgrounds. 

I learn English, engage in activities and get advocacy. 

My husband suffers from depression and at Great Croft I meet other people which keeps my mind busy. 

Without this service I will be lost.

RAZIA KHANOM, WC1