I was fortunate enough to win my JustBe membership at the 10th Anniversary Dinner, which was the first event I attended. I was so impressed with that night and then to have the good fortune to gain membership to this fabulous inner circle, I booked my meal slot without haste. I had decided in my head it would be my treat from my SlimmingWorld regime. On Saturday I night was planning what to wear to the event and worked out my car journey, then all of a sudden a slew of messages came through to my WhatsApp. I quickly checked the messages and initially thought they were saying the dinner was going to be cancelled, but then I realised it was still going ahead and it would be even nearer to where I live. On Sunday I arrived on time at the venue which was very welcoming and the lovely JustBe ladies were seated and waiting. Yvette took control and explained the reason for the change of venue in English and Jamaican patois

Excellent workshop

The website is very professional, easy to navigate, lovely encouraging picture that give clarity to the high standard of events accessible with JustBe

I had a great afternoon with a group of lovely ladies.

Just checked out the website & it is FAB!

Informative and ease with navigation

Saturday 1^st June 2019

The sun shone brightly as we all arrived at St Laurence Centre in Catford for the much anticipated Moments4Seniors Launch.  The event was completely sold-out so how blessed we were who'd secured our tickets!  The venue was buzzing as we chose our complementary drinks and took our seats in the main hall.

Yvette and her team's dedication, hard work and attention to detail to bring this dream into reality was so evident all around. The Moments4Seniors Launch was underway.

The afternoon was amazing. Filled to the brim with a wonderful variety of guest speakers, information, entertainment, fun, laughter and sheer joy. We heard from Yvette about her heartfelt vision for expanding and increasing JustBe's capacity to provide more opportunities for our awesome elders. 

We were reminded by many of the pioneering sacrifices made and the horrendous injustices faced by the Windrush Generation. How much we owe to our parents and grandparents who worked so hard, contributed so much in the harsh reality of the hostile environment that was post war Britain.  Truly we are standing upon their shoulders and they deserve the very best from all of us! 

Moments4Seniors embraces the concept of Boundless. The freedom to be who you are with authenticity, dignity and joy.

The fashion show absolutely embraced and platformed being Boundless. The beautiful mature models in their stunning contemporary African inspired designs strutting their stuff with confidence and pride. Wow!  What a sensational showcase.

The audience went wild!

Moments4Seniors is all about proactive inclusion and participation for and by our seniors. It totally smashes all the of the negative stereotypes about older age.  It challenges the harmful impacts of loneliness and isolation by stepping up and providing a whole range of opportunities and experiences for the 65 plus generation.

Here's some of what was said about the show:

“All of us have it in us”

“I like adventures, I like challenges”

“Go for it!”

“Glad that I came and when is the next show?”

“Honoured to be asked”

“Someone sees something in you that you can give”

“We all need to do something in our communities … and give back”

“Putting a smile on a senior's face!”

The Moments4Seniors Launch certainly achieved all of its aims.  When I looked around the hall I saw smiles, happiness and joy everywhere.  A great big “Thank You” going out to Yvette, all the models and everyone involved for a truly wonderful event. Moments4Seniors is here to stay!

Carol Coltress
JustBe Supporter
See more videos on our instagram@justbe4u

Disembarking from Manchester’s Piccadilly Train Station, we stepped out into the city centre and were bathed in the sunshine and warmth of the weather; the Mancunian hospitality; and later the camaraderie, companionship, and joie de vivre of the women who came on this trip. Arrivals were staggered in pairs and groups of friends and good acquaintances to the excellently chosen Holiday Inn Hotel, a walk of minutes from the train station. No time was wasted beginning our discovery of the surrounding area. In the evening at dinner, our intrepid leader, Yvette, created a seating plan where our 27 strong group sat across 5 tables, at each table at least half the women did not know each other. Quickly rectified by the ease at which black women can connect in a meaningful way, by the end of dinner friendships had been forged. A late night invite from Yvette and Patsy to their suite for ‘Prosecco and Chat’, found the hardy and already rested travellers enjoying a midnight soiree. The women who had risen in the early hours to begin their travels, or those who had had a rough week succumbed to the call of an early night and retired to bed. Saturday morning saw the bright faces and attire of our group enjoying a full English. The early risers were prepared for an open-topped bus tour of the city courtesy of the Manchester Tour Company; late risers took the noon tour. All came back impressed and better informed. Tour over, there was rest for some before getting into ‘glad rags’ and setting off to the charity dinner and dance featuring Yvette’s brother, Mr Stephen Bayliss. We arrived late afternoon and Stephen was at the door to meet and greet us. We had no idea the treat that awaited. Inside, the venue was delightful and dressed for the occasion of a good night out. The décor provided the illusion of the evening at a very nice nightclub. It was already quite full of patrons who were quietly drinking. Heads turned as 20 stunning Black women were led to their tables. Having got our feet under the table and cleared our palette with a glass of prosecco and a shot or two (or three or four for some, but we’ll name no names…Patsy). An introduction, by Stephen, of where we were from and how his sister arranged our attendance, led to us wasting no time getting on the dance floor. The ‘electric slide’ was requested, and the bemused but intrigued DJ was educated about the music he was searching for. Once the track started, virtually, all of us began dancing. All eyes were on us. Neither the DJ nor the patrons knew what hit them. They were mesmerised, intrigued, awakened and slowly but surely ‘dem catch a fire’. Before long everybody joined the party and almost everyone was dancing. One local came to us and said, ‘You’ve made this event’. What none of us knew or could have imagined was how fabulous a singer and entertainer we were to behold. When Stephen began singing, one member of our party had to be convinced that he was actually singing, she said he sounded so good (not to mention any names…Lorna). Realising he was actually singing; her stunned response was that she was in ‘awe’. When a singer can reduce your dialogue to one word, that’s some songster. Stephen was absolutely the highlight of the evening. Conversations while travelling back to the hotel that night was dominated by the incredible evening we had experienced. Everyone went to bed uplifted. Our final morning, after breakfast, was a trip to see the mural and tributes to Marcus Rashford following the scathing and racist tirade against him and the other two Black players in England’s football team. This was the day’s icing on the cake with the backdrop of conversation and sharing of videos and pictures of the previous evening’s event. The morning’s conversations not only led to discussions about the next possible trip (no pressure Yvette), but also to some of the group extending their stay by hours or a day! The conclusion of this wonderful weekend - a calm and an appreciation of what the group and the weekend away had given to each attendee, was evident. The beauty in the kindness, care, generosity of spirit, humour and sistahood will be of sustenance to many of us until we meet again.

I first became aware of the great work that JustBe is doing in the community some years ago and since then I’ve taken part in several of the events. During lockdown JustBe was a real life saver for me because not only were the virtual activities varied but the content and speakers were second to none. I am never ceased to be amazed at the relentless energy and giving spirit of the organisers and moderators, especially Yvette who’s dedication shows up time and time again.
 
As someone who has been an avid ‘walker’ since my teens I jumped at the opportunity to take part in this years 10k sponsored walk for such a worthwhile cause and at the same time participate in an activity that I enjoy tremendously. The elderly in the community are often ignored in our society so the cause that the sponsorship monies are going towards really appealed to me.
 
I can truly say that taking part in the recent sponsored walk was a delight and a real pleasure. Not only because of the worthy cause but l also connected with some amazing and genuine women. In true JustBe style each participant received refreshments throughout the walk and at the end of the walk we were all given beautiful and very generous gifts of appreciation.
 
I’m really looking forward to repeating the experience next year.      
             
Jacqueline Bent

‘There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”  Walt Disney   Ever since I was a young girl I have always loved reading. I’ve loved the opportunity to be transported to new times, places and worlds, and to be the heroine in an epic adventure fighting the dastardly villain ,and saving the world.   When I had a great book to read, my long arduous 2 hour journeys to work every morning became 2 hours of fun and adventure suspense and mystery as I dived into tales of intrigue, thrillers and murder mysteries flying me away in my imagination.   So when the opportunity came up to join the JustBe book club I signed up straight away and it’s been such a great experience. Not only do I get the opportunity to read a variety of books from every genre, but I get the chance to meet with the other ladies on the book club and we have great fun conversations around the book about what we liked or didn’t like, leading us onto lively conversations and debates. It also challenges us to read some books that we may not have read, so for me it has been a really lovely experience. Here are some quotes from other members of the club an what being part of the JustBe book club means for them:   Beverly The book club provides me with a forum to have meaty challenging conversations and hearing different perspectives on a particular topic. No holds barred everything on the table the club also gives members an opportunity to unload on personal matters. Every home should have one Alison I've thoroughly enjoyed being in Book Buzz, it’s been great to engage in the books that have been chosen. Being an audio book fan, allows me to listen to the books in my own time, whilst driving or even during my lunch times. When the books have been especially captivating I've listened to them whilst doing housework or a couple of times, when I'm at work! Since joining Book Buzz my audio library has increased and hopefully I'll find time in the future to relisten to some of the books I've enjoyed. The Book Buzz can either help you to sit still if you like to read a hard copy, or if like me; you may always be on the go, it still gives you the opportunity to be part of the great conversations we have. Audrey It helps keep your mind active, Improves your listening skills. Attention to detail, helps improve your vocabulary and communication written and orally. Christina I like the book club as it gives me the opportunity to read books I would never have read before. It also increases my knowledge  and it helps me to develop understanding and compassion on certain topics, especially the last book we read. Vanessa The JB Book Club has ignited my love for books.  I look forward to hearing the different perspectives on the chosen book and look forward to our meetings which are always engaging and collaborative. Vivienne Joining the JustBe book club has increased my social network with some lovely ladies . It’s been an affordable way have an active social life. Getting together and debating has been fun. It has taken me out of my comfort zone in the type of book I would normally read Reading is a great way to develop the mind and keep it active and healthy. It expands our imagination and being part of the book club means we get to share this with a lovely group of people.   The book club has been running for about 3 years and we have read a range of books from autobiographies to mysteries, and from romance to thrillers and everything in between. We meet once every 6 weeks via zoom to discuss the chosen book, with each member of the group having the opportunity to select and lead on their chosen book. This year we are also planning some in person meet ups, theatre trips and social events so it is already looking like a fun year ahead.   If you are interested in joining the group please contact info@just-be.co.uk for more details   Mary George