Archived on 6/5/2022

Interview with RSC director Kimberley Sykes

Google_News

1 Nov '20

The Stratford upon Avon Herald has an interview with Kimberley Sykes, a Director for Royal Shakespeare Company productions, and Forest Hill resident. In the interview she talks about her experiences volunteering at Lewisham Foodbank and her Beyond the Bank project, among other interesting things about her work and life.

How have you stayed connected with the outside world?
I’m not very good at doing nothing. So as soon as the pandemic took hold, I started volunteering at Lewisham Foodbank. The people there have been a lifeline for me during the last seven months – a family. They’ve helped me to connect with a world outside of my normal circles; people I wouldn’t normally get to meet and who have inspired me enormously.
Demand amongst foodbanks nationwide rose by over 80 per cent during the first few weeks of lockdown. Foodbanks shouldn’t need to exist, but poverty is real, it’s getting worse and those most affected are often from marginalised groups. Things have to change.

Tell us about any work you’ve managed to do.
As a result of my work at Lewisham Foodbank, I’ve started a community project collaborating with local theatre-makers to deliver creative workshops to the clients we work with; nourishing through creativity as well as food. Beyond the Bank is about empowerment, discovery, wellbeing and community spirit.

More about Beyond the Bank can be found at their website: https://www.beyondthebank.org.uk/