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'A highlight of my last two years'

Please note: this post is 26 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

Qigong Darcy

Darcy has volunteered her time with East London Cares every month since January 2021. She has supported neighbours with her welcoming, educational and fun Qigong social clubs. Qigong is an Ancient Chinese form of movement, mediation and breathing. Many of the regular neighbours who attend now know moves they can do at home on their own to re-energise or to relax. We were definitely privileged to have Darcy join our social clubs.

“I totally enjoyed the session, it left me feeling as though I was floating all day” - Jen, 67

During the pandemic Darcy led online social clubs that kept neighbours moving at home, kept them feeling calm and provided a sense of consistency during a turbulent time. Not only did Darcy help through her online clubs, but her movement activities were also written up and put into the at-home #Alltogether packs. This meant that neighbours who were unable to join online could also experience Qigong with Darcy at home.

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“It was the best moment of September” - Older Neighbour

"I started volunteering for East London Cares in December 2019 and then began running a monthly Qigong social club of my own in January 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, to help boost neighbour's wellbeing. The pandemic had been a difficult time for everyone and impacted our social and mental health. Qigong (which means moving meditation, also known as Chinese yoga) has been amazing to share with the community to help people feel more calm, connected and energised, both individually and collectively. Teaching qigong has also built my own confidence and I have loved connecting with regular club members each month. It's been a highlight of the last two years. Above all, I really admire how East London Cares brings people from different age groups and cultural backgrounds together to learn from each other and have a laugh along the way.” - Darcy 

Darcy is now leaving London to travel and experience the many new and wonderful things waiting for her, so we wish her all the best and send her a special thank you from everyone at East London Cares. She will be greatly missed and hopefully she will make a comeback before we know it. Thank you Darcy!

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