On October 1st 2010, the centre that Integrate has been working in for three years closed its doors for the final time. All the residents had long gone; the final ones being moved out about a week previously, and all staff had set to clearing everything out. The centre was a hub of activity for a couple of weeks until almost everything had been removed and all that remained on the final day were a few tables, chairs and cooking equipment. With the centre empty, all there was left to do was celebrate all that had happened there since it opened 11 years ago.
Staff, volunteers, other agency workers and anyone who’s been involved with it came together to share some stories, meet old friends and eat some amazing food! It was very interesting for us, meeting people who had been there right when it opened and hear how different it is now. But it was also great for us, because we were able to showcase some of the brilliant pieces of art that the residents had produced over the last three years. Paintings went up around the sitting rooms, the mosaics were displayed, kids’ drawings brightened up the empty hallway…
And at the end of it all, after everyone had left and all had been cleared away, I stepped into the empty playroom for one last time. It was so eerily quiet and depressingly empty, and felt very strange, but the longer I stood there, I started to hear children’s voices echoing around the room. Over the years, thousands of children have played in that room, and their laughter and giggles, happiness and joy were clearly audible. When I looked at the door, I could still see the little faces poking in at the window, and I could hear the music and see the artwork around the walls. There was something very special about that room – it brought a lot of light to a dark place.
And after spending a few last minutes in the playroom, looking at the walls and seeing the rainbow over the nations, I went outside and, as if it was a sign to show that there is still hope for the next stage, a beautiful rainbow arched over the centre.
And so onto the next chapter…
Over the next few weeks, Integrate will officially be moving to Wakefield where we will seek to bring the same light and hope to the residents of the IA centre there. Watch this space…
Thanks for reading, and thanks for all your support over the last three years. It’s been a special place to work and will always be remembered as that.
