The short talk in the carol service got me thinking about what surprise gift I could leave on doorsteps in a festive twist on knock-a-door-run. I concluded that fun tho that would be, it probably doesn't make sense for my elderly neighbours to not have anyone be there when the bell was rung, or to have to lean down to pick up the poinsettia or chocolate orange or whatever I settle on. So it will be better to stay put to hand it over rather than leave an anonymous gift. That will be my activity on christmas eve :-)
My mind then also wandered to what I might need to do were I to set up my cuddle shop. I think it is going to be a while yet til the church community cafe is built. I wonder if it would need a Herculean effort to have a pop up shop for a week? There is one nearby that is empty at the moment. I like the idea of having a play at it for a week, not needing to set up a business account or worry about making wages, but doing it on a voluntary basis in a week's annual leave.
Actions:
Find someone who knows about week long pop up shops. How does the elec bills work? Who do I need to approach to find about renting it just for a week?
How would I advertise it, if its only for a week? Would a poster in the window be enough saying "come in for a cuddle". For now I like the name "hug hub", but wouldn't be getting a sign for just a week.
Who could I get onto a Rota to be present with me - for my safety, and safeguarding, it makes no sense to be on my own at any point.
What would I need? My plan is to offer brews, biscuits, a listening ear and hugs. A sofa would make sense, where could I get one of those and how would it get there? Could I get a supermarket to donate the refreshments? Co-op might be up for supporting that kind of thing?
... And having slept on it, I think I'm back to the thought that I don't really need a place yet - coming over the threshold I think would be too challenging for folks. My first step I think is to make a "free hugs" placard and to hang about in the park to hug and listen. No brews yet.
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