Spread the Christmas cheer! How Scriptum kept people’s spirits up over Lockdown

by Emily Broughton

If you have ever wandered down Oxford’s 600-year-old Turl Street you’ve probably passed the storefront of Scriptum Fine Stationery.

The shop’s founder Azeem Zakria, was inspired by a stationery emporium in Florence and opened the small independent shop in 2003. The store was so popular that Azeem had to expand Scriptum and move to the current Turl Street premises in 2006.

With a collection of delicately designed notebooks, Venetian masks and feather quills it is a veritable cave of wonders and a great place for picking up some Christmas gifts. But there is more to Scriptum than its captivating storefront (‘Best Window Display’ category winner at the London Stationery Awards in 2019). This was revealed during the national lockdown. It is the incredible generosity of the owner and his staff which has spread joy this year. In times of hardship, they have come together to help the community. All very #bimbleworthy.

In 2020 we have seen countless small businesses step up and give back to their communities. Restaurants across the country have taken to streets, providing vulnerable people with much needed food during these troubling times. Hotels and B&B’s have opened their doors to key workers and people sleeping rough. And Scriptum is no exception to these incredible displays of generosity.

Azeem, who openly talks about his struggles with mental health, has created a notebook for those who suffer from depression, anxiety and more. Three words, ‘The Good Place’, are embossed on the cover declaring that only positive thoughts belong in the journal. When you dwell on negative thoughts throughout the day, Azeem suggests writing something positive in the notebook to look past the bad. For every notebook purchased Scriptum donates £3 to the Oxfordshire Mind branch- actively giving back to their area. Click here to buy a notebook.

Scriptum has also started reaching out to the Oxford community through events. Azeem has started a weekly letter-writing meet-up in the store. The business provides tea, coffee, stationery, stamps, and a friendly place to talk in a safe and socially distanced setting.

The goal is to help people who are feeling isolated. It allows people, especially men who are statistically less likely to seek out help for their mental health, to stay in contact during lockdown and take some time for themselves.

Although in 2020 many small, independent businesses have struggled, they have also shown how great an impact they have on their local communities. Whether this takes the form of important charity work or simply providing a place for people to meet and stay connected, supporting local businesses clearly has a profound impact on your area. Over Christmas, why not spread joy by buying your presents from unique shops near you? You won’t just be helping them, they too will go on to spread Christmas cheer in your community.

Check out Scriptum and other #bimbleworthy businesses on Bimble