This newsletter is produced for the LINC Prayer Group
JULY 2008 NEWSLETTER
Dear friends,
Apart from the plans for the development of Branches there seems to be little of great significance to report this month. I have included the grants information because I notice that Christian groups are having some success in obtaining money for community projects from outside sources. With my good wishes,
Daphne
(Daphne is a member of Gateway Church, Leyton)
“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:9
Give thanks and pray…
Street Pastors
A small group have trained and are ready to start work, but cannot do so until they have the needed links with the police and council officers; these are proving difficult to obtain. Please pray about this and that more would hear God’s call and join the next training course in September.
Grants for community projects
The money available from Community Councils this year is greatly increased and there is a new offer from the Coop of 3 grants of £5,000 each (application forms from their shops or the local Guardian office; closing date is July 21st)
A good idea worth copying?
A group called ‘Dads, Lads and Daughters’ meets on Saturday mornings for planned activities and for outings to places of interest. It is intended to support men as active fathers in their children’s lives and also to give mothers a breathing space.
Legacy of the 2012 Games
There is an opportunity to make suggestions for the development of the Olympic Park after 2012 at the Green Fair Festival in Lloyd and Aveling Park on July 20th.
Whipps Cross Hospital
Since 2006 there has been a dramatic decrease in the spread of infections in the hospital and the Catering Department has just been awarded 5-stars by environment officers. The age of the buildings makes it impossible to meet all Government targets but an outline plan for the redevelopment of the site has been submitted to NHS London.
Forthcoming events
July 7th, August 3rd at 7.30pm, LINC Prayer Meeting, Church Hill Baptist Church, E17
July16th at 5.30pm Branches AGM at 740 Forest Road, E17
July 20th, 12.00-19.00 Green Fair Festival.
Branches Day Centre and Night Shelter
Branches offers
- Benefits Advice;
- Primary health care;
- Alcohol and Drugs Outreach;
- Employment Opportunities;
- Mental health support
- Counselling
for the homeless.
The Day Centre has a TV room, internet access, pool table, board games, toilets and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available there. 35-40 people use the facilities every day.
The Night Shelter has room for up to 25 people with designated male and female rooms. There are showers, and clients have access to a washing machine, dryer and iron. There is a TV area and tea and coffee making facilities.
In 2006/07, of the 146 night shelter clients, 47 moved on to private landlords, 17 to other hostels and supported housing and 37 returned to friends and families. Some individual stories are thrilling: one resident who went downhill after a family tragedy spent 2 months at Branches, was rehoused and is now back at work on Saville Row, able to pick from several job offers; another, a University student who lost her accommodation, has managed to carry on with her degree in accounting and is now in a flat share.
The building is not designed for its purpose. All bedrooms are shared with up to 4 per room and shared bathroom facilities. The day centre has only one separate room for counselling and almost no natural light. The garden has recently been refurbished but is limited by an external staircase. The long term aim of the Branches is for a complete rebuild. They have recently received £200,000 from the Communities and Local Government Places of Change Programme. It is also one of the Mayor’s two chosen charities this year. The architect will show the plans at the AGM at Branches on July 16th at 5.30pm.
Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July/August 2008
