In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget about the importance of community. But for Summer Hill local mum and volunteer, Emma, this community has been a priority for almost twenty years.
Emma reached out when the Little BIG House had only recently opened to see what she if she could help and quickly jumped on our need for a host of our Monday Co-Working drop-in, giving up half a day every week to hold space for others to seek out connection during the long work-from-home week. She has always had a passion for helping others, and she has volunteered in various roles throughout her life (the Little BIG House is not the only place in Summer Hill that is benefited by Emma’s talents), but we are endlessly grateful for her steering hand that has made coworking a success. She is now supported by several volunteers (we thought we better let her have the odd day off), and the community can drop in, work on a project, do a zoom meeting or tackle a full inbox of emails in the company of their neighbours.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMMA
I’ve been a local since…
I have lived in Summer Hill or Lewisham since 2000 so over 20 years.
This community is special to me because…
I love a community where you can go to the shops / cafes and people recognise you. We have lovely neighbours and our child attends a wonderful local school. I rarely go out without meeting someone that I know. This makes me feel really connected to my local area and very much support and ‘at home’.
The program/event that I am volunteering for at the Little BIG House is…
I am part of the team that facilitates the co-working sessions on a Monday. This provides a space for local people working from home on their own to pick up their laptop and come and work in a communal environment. Participants have got to know each other and we now have a co-working team that sits alongside everybody’s personal work team. My favourite part of the day is getting everybody a posh coffee and then spending a few minutes on a break getting to know them.
Connection and friendships are created by…
Meeting people in an environment where you feel safe to put yourself out there and know that you will be accepted by like minded people and not rejected or made to feel stupid.
My favourite thing about the Little BIG House is…
It can be overwhelming and daunting to enter a new club, gathering or meeting. The Little BIG House provides a facility where people walk through the door and are instantly greeted, not ignored. People are made to feel immediately welcome and that they are in the right place. I also love that the space is so versatile. It transforms from community event, to business location to party central with no effort at all.
The top thing on my bucket list is…
Travel Travel Travel: Australia, Asia and Europe are calling…
I’m most grateful for…
My little family. We were born in 3 different countries and are loving our life here.
The last Little BIG action* I received from someone was…
A friend instantly offering to dog sit while we were panicking what to do when we go away. Not exactly a small gesture, but the impact is huge as I know my fur family will be stress free, safe and well cared for in their own home.
