About

Sadly, Monday, 17th September 2018 is the fourth anniversary of the passing away of my dear friend Alex. Those of you that knew her will know just how hilarious she would think it is that I'm marking the occasion by doing the 54-mile London to Brighton bike ride! ............................................................................................................................................................................ Alex was deft and kinda cool on her bike. And she used to laugh at the clothes-horse properties of mine, as it sat unloved and unused in my hallway, under a pile of coats. But I'm dusting it off to raise money for a great little organisation that is local to both of us, as well as close to both of our hearts. ..................................................................................................................................................................... Café Art is a London-based social enterprise that supports the homeless community and the socially vulnerable. It frames artwork created by people affected by homelessness and other social challenges and displays them in cafes and coffee shops around the city. 80% of the proceeds are given to the artists, with the remaining 20% returned to Café Art to further the organisation. In doing so, it makes the artists feel valued, plus provides them with a small income. .................................................................................................................................................................... Every year, Café Art gives disposable cameras to 100 people affected by homelessness to enable them to participate in its competition to find images for its MyLondon calendar. With training and support from the Royal Photographic Society, they are given five days to capture the city of London, from their perspective. Proceeds from MyLondon Calendar go directly back to the photographers and Café Art. This empowering initiative helps homeless people hone their photography skills, or learn new ones, plus gives them work experience helping to run the photography exhibition. The calendar is also an opportunity for them to tell their personal stories and to be seen and heard. Additionally, it provides a small income for the calendar sellers. ............................................................................................................................................................................. I’m very proud that the MyLondon calendar competition now includes the Alex Davies Best Portrait Award, in recognition of the support that she gave to Café Art and the impact she had on the people that she worked with there. And I’m delighted to say that, due to some volunteers, Café Art is setting up MyBrighton and Hove, extending the calendar initiative to the South coast. However, this tiny organisation is really making very little go a very long way and needs as much support as possible. For example, the calendar alone costs £7,500 to print. And that's just one of their many initiatives. So, while the founders, Paul Ryan and Michael Wong, now employ a part-time person to apply for grants on their behalf, as well as one homeless artist, two days a week, they’d love to not only be able to extend the artist's hours but to also employ more homeless people. .................................................................................................................................................................................. Every day, all around us, and in London especially, we see first-hand evidence of the heart-breaking rise of homelessness. Across the UK, it has risen for the seventh year in a row. Westminster, Brighton & Hove, and Camden had the three highest rates of rough sleeping in 2017. While London alone has an estimated 1,137 rough sleepers – and that doesn’t include ‘the hidden homeless’, e.g. people living in hostels, secretly sleeping at work, crashing on their friend’s sofas, etc. Shelter estimates that one-in-three working adults are only one pay-cheque away from loosing their home. With that figure increasing for people with families. Additionally, the many, many people affected by mental health issues are likely to be touched by homelessness at some point. .............................................................................................................................................................................. Alex was one of the most considerate, generous people that I know. So, it's no surprise that her work with Café Art had such a long-lasting impact. Her giggles at my London to Brighton attempt would definitely be compounded by me starting this sponsorship campaign less than a week before the bike ride! I signed up months ago, so let’s just say I’ve been in denial!.... When you’ve also finished laughing at the thought of me cycling 54 miles, if you’re able to contribute anything at all it would be hugely appreciated. And by donating through Givey (this fundraising platform that works with social enterprises - which most don't, as I've discovered...) Café Art will receive 100% of the money. .................................................................................................................................................................... Even if you can't donate, please check out Café Art's website, follow them on social (numbers help with those grant applications! ) and ideally buy a 2019 MyLondon calendar. You really will be making a difference. And all, very sensibly, without getting on your bike! http://cafeart.org.uk/ .................................................................................................................................................................... [Stats: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/25/rough-sleeper-numbers-in-england-rise-for-seventh-year-running ------------ http://media.shelter.org.uk/home/press_releases/8_million_people_one_pay_check_away_from_being_unable_to_pay_for_their_home ] ........................................................................................................................................................................... Did I mention it was 54 miles?!! Eek! ........................................................................................................................................................................... If you're kind enough to donate, please be sure to either add your name, or drop me a personal message, as I'd really like to thank you.