Since moving to The Pavilion in 2013, Lifespring church on the Oxford Road in Reading has built itself up as a prominent community outreach hub. Their compassion and generosity has made a difference to everyone who has walked up their steps
Some have found a second chance, some friendship, some hope. All have found a community to belong to that is welcoming to everyone.
It is important that these people do not go unrecognised. Each one has kindness to offer and stories to tell.
These are their stories; of their lives on the Oxford Road and what Lifespring means to them…
And finally, a graphic illustration by the artist Frank Hammond showing how it feels to leave your home as a refugee and flee to another country.
Thank you to all the people we spoke to – for your time, your trust and your friendship. We are humbled by your generosity.
This project was commissioned by Reading Borough Council’s HSHAZ and produced by Baker Street Productions Ltd, working with researchers from the Human Geography Department of the University of Reading:
Baker Street Productions – Caroline Bishop (Executive Producer), Charlie Jones (Graphic Designer and Audio Editor), Daisy Anstice (Audio Editor), Frank Hammond (Illustrator), Kat Holmes (Writer), Gab Gibek (Photographer), Oli Hewson (Creative Producer) and Steve Tidbury (Graphic Designer).
Researchers from the Human Geography Department of the University of Reading – Alice Mpofu-Coles and Robyn Woronka.
Translators – Abdullah Ali Al Abdulmunghi, Daniel Campos, Faisal Hussain Almodaife, Laura Little Soza and Parsa Kiani.
Additional audio finessing: Chris Mitchell of Clear Sky Studio
….and the people of Lifespring Church