Guest Blog - Meet Lorelei!
“The ethos of inclusivity that drives all that KEEN does is so inspiring and uplifting [...] Anyone who attends a KEEN session will learn something from it”
Meet the people at the heart of KEEN…
This is Lorelei. She’s our KEEN Chats Coordinator, the music master’s right hand woman and all round brilliant Session Buddy. Lorelei is in her final year of studying Classics at St Anne’s, Oxford but has spent a lot of time singing and dancing around on stage in Oxford, and an incredible three and a half years volunteering with KEEN.
Here she is dressed as a fairy, for a magical forest KEEN session (we love the glitter, any excuse to get dressed up!).
We spoke to Lorelei about why she volunteers with KEEN and asked about her favourite memories. Read more below.
What’s your favourite KEEN memory?
Almost impossible to pick! The first drama session with the Oxford Playhouse at St Clement’s was a lot of fun, I loved seeing everyone doing their best impersonations of different animals. It was great that my buddy for that session, Rory, won as one of the best mouse impressions!
Why do you think KEEN is important?
The ethos of inclusivity that drives all that KEEN does is so inspiring and uplifting. Giving anyone and everyone - and I mean everyone - the opportunity to have fun and make friends is such a fundamental element of being a human, and there is nothing better than smiling and laughing with people who want to have just as good a time as you!
Anyone who attends a KEEN session will learn something from it, whether that’s how to sign a song in Makaton or how important it is not to allow any “barriers” get in the way of connecting with people.
What’s the best thing about KEEN Chats and KEEN Choir?
I always end a session with a huge smile on my face! A highlight of KEEN chats has to be hearing everyone’s hilarious jokes, and learning Makaton from Emma and Becca in KEEN choir is something I really love.
You came to our in-person activities and now Virtual KEEN. How have you found that transition to online KEEN? Has it surprised you at all?
The change to online sessions was absolutely seamless! I really do think KEEN was using Zoom a week before anyone else had heard of it...?! There are lots of participants who I now know very well who’ve I never actually met in person, but it is has been such a delight to meet so many people who I might not have otherwise.
Inspired by Lorelei? Want to get involved yourself? Here’s how!
Email Catherine at info@keenuk.org for more details!
Sign up to be a Session Buddy at Virtual KEEN via www.keenuk.org/projects
Already involved? Get in touch to tell us your KEEN Story. We’d love to hear more from existing volunteers and participants.