CCP (County Community Projects), an independent registered charity, established in October 1989, exists to improve the lives of children, young people, families and vulnerable adults with multiple and complex needs across Gloucestershire. We promote and support healthy living, help maintain a safe and stable home environment, encourage and support learning and achievement, promote respect and positive social behaviour and encourage personal economic sustainability.
We specialise in engaging with people at the extremes, people who have nowhere left to turn. This includes people excluded from statutory services because they don’t fit the criteria, or who don’t score highly enough to qualify for help, or who are deemed as being too difficult to work with. We rely a great deal on the goodwill of volunteers to help us to help others. The following are just some of our current projects we need help with.
We have three outdoor activity sites that need the enthusiasm and gardening skills of as many volunteers as possible. The Breakthrough project is in Mead Road, Leckhampton; we have a large allotment at Hayden Road, Swindon Village; and at the Sue Ryder Hospice in Church Road, Leckhampton, we have the use of a small copse where we will be creating a woodland village. Volunteering at one of our outdoor projects will give you the opportunity to help and support young people by passing on your knowledge and expertise, not just of the task in hand, but life experiences too. We would love to hear from you! Contact Simon on 07890 947562.
It is a well-known fact that music can be of great therapeutic value. The CCP Musical Youth recording studio at our Education Centre in Grove Street aims to engage and motivate young people and make music more accessible to all. It is well used by disadvantaged youngsters, disabled youngsters, and community groups, and has already produced a number of talented musicians and singers.
On Friday 24th September we will be showcasing the talent of youngsters in Gloucestershire at the Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham Ladies College. There will be a drinks reception at 6pm, followed by an evening of entertainment from 7pm to 9pm. Headlining the evening, at which we will also be celebrating CCP’s 21st birthday, will be the original Musical Youth band, as well as music from some of the youngsters who use the recording studio, a raffle and an auction.
Tickets for the event can be bought for £15 (minimum). This would be a great way for you to support CCP and be entertained at the same time! All proceeds from the evening will go towards the continuing development of CCP Musical Youth so that more disadvantaged and disabled young people from Gloucestershire can benefit from this wonderful resource. Contact Heather on 01242 228999 ext 101 for tickets, to buy raffle tickets or to donate something for the raffle and auction.
For further information about these projects and other projects you might like to be involved in, please have a look at the CCP Newsletter (copies are available in the church), our website www.ccprojects.org.uk, or contact Semonetta, our Volunteers Manager, on 01242 228999 109.
Dr Heather Sheridan
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Saturday, 3 July 2010
July's Charity - the Knole
I cannot prepare an article about this charity without having Adrian Stanley very much in my thoughts. He is an example of how someone’s life continues to influence others even after their death. Still remembered, still loved and admired.
The Langley House Trust is a Christian Charity and registered Social Landlord specialising in providing residential resettlement for ex-offenders, those at risk of offending and the marginalised homeless. I quote directly from their leaflet "How you can help us turn lives around" which is available, with other literature, in the porch this month.
"Since 1958 the Langley House Trust has been working tirelessly to draw alongside individuals nobody else wants to know. In the early days we worked exclusively with male prison leavers who had no family and lacked the skills to secure employment on release. Today we also work with women, have two dedicated Drug Rehabilitation Centres as well as our other projects, and have recently extended our work to include the marginalised homeless (men and women who may not have a background of offending).
As you can imagine, we do not attract he same sympathy as other charities, but our work really does change lives and we believe it is a practical expression of God’s redemptive activity. When we help an individual to make a fresh start, learn new skills to enable them to work towards employment and live responsibility in society, this also has a beneficial effect on relationships with their family and others around them.
We could tell you many wonderful stories of lives rebuilt and hearts changed! It is easy to turn away from this challenging, often demanding work and yet Jesus, our Saviour, offered a fresh start to the criminal crucified beside Him.
The Bible tells us He showed love and concern for those on the margins of society, including those who had committed offences and those who had nowhere to live. We often forget that ‘He made many such individuals His friends’. Whilst Jesus did not ever condone the offence (and neither do we), He did offer acceptance, forgiveness and the possibility of a new beginning. In essence, surely that is what Christianity is all about?"
Registered Social Landlord No. H4250 Registered Charity No. 290059
For more information about the Knole click here
For more information on the Langley House trust click here.
The Langley House Trust is a Christian Charity and registered Social Landlord specialising in providing residential resettlement for ex-offenders, those at risk of offending and the marginalised homeless. I quote directly from their leaflet "How you can help us turn lives around" which is available, with other literature, in the porch this month.
"Since 1958 the Langley House Trust has been working tirelessly to draw alongside individuals nobody else wants to know. In the early days we worked exclusively with male prison leavers who had no family and lacked the skills to secure employment on release. Today we also work with women, have two dedicated Drug Rehabilitation Centres as well as our other projects, and have recently extended our work to include the marginalised homeless (men and women who may not have a background of offending).
As you can imagine, we do not attract he same sympathy as other charities, but our work really does change lives and we believe it is a practical expression of God’s redemptive activity. When we help an individual to make a fresh start, learn new skills to enable them to work towards employment and live responsibility in society, this also has a beneficial effect on relationships with their family and others around them.
We could tell you many wonderful stories of lives rebuilt and hearts changed! It is easy to turn away from this challenging, often demanding work and yet Jesus, our Saviour, offered a fresh start to the criminal crucified beside Him.
The Bible tells us He showed love and concern for those on the margins of society, including those who had committed offences and those who had nowhere to live. We often forget that ‘He made many such individuals His friends’. Whilst Jesus did not ever condone the offence (and neither do we), He did offer acceptance, forgiveness and the possibility of a new beginning. In essence, surely that is what Christianity is all about?"
Registered Social Landlord No. H4250 Registered Charity No. 290059
For more information about the Knole click here
For more information on the Langley House trust click here.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
June's Charity - The Cheltenham Blind Club
Cheltenham Blind Club meets at
Highbury on the first Wednesday
afternoon of each month. It’s aim is to
enable people who are blind or visually
impaired to meet for companionship
and friendship.
Members come through referral from
Social Services or by word of mouth,
perhaps through having a friend who
is also a member. Whilst the sociability
of the club is of paramount
importance, each meeting will have
activities or a special speaker.
Recent entertainment has included a
local poet, Dave Walton, a talk on
Japan and an opportunity to revisit
memorabilia from the 40s and 50s
brought along by two ladies who have
retired from their work in the museum.
The varied programme has also given
members chance to enjoy a musical
experience and a light-hearted quiz.
June will explore the origins of nursery
rhymes, and July will have a seasonal
strawberries and cream flavour.
The club has the potential for 25
members of whom the majority are
elderly. This means that besides the
problems of visual impairment many
also have hearing loss and mobility
problems. These general health
problems increase the risk of
loneliness and isolation.
Transport is needed to and from the
club and this is where the greatest
financial need lies. Members who are
brought by taxi pay £4 (which includes
their contribution towards
refreshments) whilst other members
pay £1. They are grateful for the
understanding and reliable services
given by the taxis that are used, the
drivers are described as “superb and
helpful”. Some volunteers also help
with the transport.
The club is now run by John Mould
with his wife Patricia who heard about
the club through a friend at Trinity
Church. John has expressed his
gratitude to the regular voluntary
helpers Lillian, Pat, Valerie, Jenny and
Claire.
Money that we raise will be especially
used to help with subsidising transport
costs as well as helping towards fees
and donations to the speakers. There
are currently places for some more
members so if you know of someone
(of any age) who would like to know
more, they should contact either John
Mould: 01386 443352 or Celia Kelly:
01242 221170.
Chosen Charity for June:
Cheltenham Blind Club
PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS - please contact Lorraine Gasside (239838).
Please remember the Cheltenham Blind Club in your prayers -
its members, the organisers - John and Patricia, the taxi drivers,
all the volunteers, and those who speak or ‘entertain’
Highbury on the first Wednesday
afternoon of each month. It’s aim is to
enable people who are blind or visually
impaired to meet for companionship
and friendship.
Members come through referral from
Social Services or by word of mouth,
perhaps through having a friend who
is also a member. Whilst the sociability
of the club is of paramount
importance, each meeting will have
activities or a special speaker.
Recent entertainment has included a
local poet, Dave Walton, a talk on
Japan and an opportunity to revisit
memorabilia from the 40s and 50s
brought along by two ladies who have
retired from their work in the museum.
The varied programme has also given
members chance to enjoy a musical
experience and a light-hearted quiz.
June will explore the origins of nursery
rhymes, and July will have a seasonal
strawberries and cream flavour.
The club has the potential for 25
members of whom the majority are
elderly. This means that besides the
problems of visual impairment many
also have hearing loss and mobility
problems. These general health
problems increase the risk of
loneliness and isolation.
Transport is needed to and from the
club and this is where the greatest
financial need lies. Members who are
brought by taxi pay £4 (which includes
their contribution towards
refreshments) whilst other members
pay £1. They are grateful for the
understanding and reliable services
given by the taxis that are used, the
drivers are described as “superb and
helpful”. Some volunteers also help
with the transport.
The club is now run by John Mould
with his wife Patricia who heard about
the club through a friend at Trinity
Church. John has expressed his
gratitude to the regular voluntary
helpers Lillian, Pat, Valerie, Jenny and
Claire.
Money that we raise will be especially
used to help with subsidising transport
costs as well as helping towards fees
and donations to the speakers. There
are currently places for some more
members so if you know of someone
(of any age) who would like to know
more, they should contact either John
Mould: 01386 443352 or Celia Kelly:
01242 221170.
Chosen Charity for June:
Cheltenham Blind Club
PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS - please contact Lorraine Gasside (239838).
Please remember the Cheltenham Blind Club in your prayers -
its members, the organisers - John and Patricia, the taxi drivers,
all the volunteers, and those who speak or ‘entertain’
Saturday, 1 May 2010
May Charity - Myasthenia Gravis Association
This month we are supporting suffers of a disease that is not well known and that can be embarassing and frightening for its sufferers and their families.
Myasthenia Gravis is an auto-immune disease which is characterised by fluctuating, sometimes fatal, muscle weakness. This means that the body’s immune system attacks and damages the nerve signal reception areas on the muscles. The nerve is not able to cause muscle contraction and the result is apparent weakness. As any muscles can be affected the symptoms can vary greatly and can be triggered by the onset of infection or stress of any kind, physical or emotional.
It can be difficult for a GP to diagnose and it is also hard for family and friends to understand that someone can seem perfectly normal one moment but droopy and listless only a few hours or even minutes later. Simple things that we take for granted like eating, seeing, talking and laughing can become difficult or even impossible.
Although it is rare under the age of 10, Myasthenia Gravis can affect anyone of any age, sex or race. Our local support group is working to raise awareness of the condition in children since its rarity makes it even harder to diagnose. Approximately one person in every ten thousand may be suffering from this disease in the UK at any one time.
The Myasthenia Gravis Association has headquarters in Derby. It works through regional organisers and local branches to offer support to people suffering from Myasthenia and their families. The Gloucestershire branch meets every four months when they will aim to address any problems that have arisen, share news of national events and, not least, go out for a meal together. The aim of meeting as a group is to create links with other people who understand what the sufferer is going through. It is also a valuable opportunity to share experience of available treatment. Having established a contact it can be invaluable to have a friendly voice at the end of the phone in times of difficulty.
Fundraising is important to raise funds for research. Recent research has resulted in better understanding and management of the disease but there is not yet a cure.
Click here to go to the Myasthenia Gravis Association
Myasthenia Gravis is an auto-immune disease which is characterised by fluctuating, sometimes fatal, muscle weakness. This means that the body’s immune system attacks and damages the nerve signal reception areas on the muscles. The nerve is not able to cause muscle contraction and the result is apparent weakness. As any muscles can be affected the symptoms can vary greatly and can be triggered by the onset of infection or stress of any kind, physical or emotional.
It can be difficult for a GP to diagnose and it is also hard for family and friends to understand that someone can seem perfectly normal one moment but droopy and listless only a few hours or even minutes later. Simple things that we take for granted like eating, seeing, talking and laughing can become difficult or even impossible.
Although it is rare under the age of 10, Myasthenia Gravis can affect anyone of any age, sex or race. Our local support group is working to raise awareness of the condition in children since its rarity makes it even harder to diagnose. Approximately one person in every ten thousand may be suffering from this disease in the UK at any one time.
The Myasthenia Gravis Association has headquarters in Derby. It works through regional organisers and local branches to offer support to people suffering from Myasthenia and their families. The Gloucestershire branch meets every four months when they will aim to address any problems that have arisen, share news of national events and, not least, go out for a meal together. The aim of meeting as a group is to create links with other people who understand what the sufferer is going through. It is also a valuable opportunity to share experience of available treatment. Having established a contact it can be invaluable to have a friendly voice at the end of the phone in times of difficulty.
Fundraising is important to raise funds for research. Recent research has resulted in better understanding and management of the disease but there is not yet a cure.
Click here to go to the Myasthenia Gravis Association
Sunday, 4 April 2010
April Cheltenham Youth for Christ
As ever, Cheltenham YFC are busy
working away in Pittville, Kingsmead
and Christ College. Each week we
work with approximately 200 young
people, of whom we work more closely
with 50 young people. Our schools’
work continues to include lunchtime
detached, after school clubs, PE
lessons and other work as required.
Over the next term we will also be
starting our youth prayer initiative
called ‘Underground’.
We are currently trying to recruit
twelve young people who we will train
in personal evangelism and in how to
lead a small prayer group. These
young people will start a prayer group
with their friends, praying for their
friends to come to know Christ. Our
hope is to recruit a generation of
young people praying for their friends
and sharing the gospel with them. It
will take a number of years to
establish ‘Underground’ and finding
the right young people to start with is
a key part of this process. Please pray
for us as we find the first group of
young people, and pray that God will
strengthen them and equip them in
what could prove to be a key work
amongst young people in the town.
Following on from the Annecy
Challenge last year, when we raised
£15,000, we are looking to recruit an
additional member of staff who can
head up our new sports project. Whilst
being involved in our regular work,
especially the PE lessons, the new
worker will be responsible for
establishing a multi-sport club for
young people where we will use sport
to engage them with the gospel.
Initially the club will be launched in the
Hatherley area with a view to
expanding to other sites in the future.
Trying to launch two significant
projects at similar times is quite
ambitious, not least as we need to
develop our income over the next few
years to make them both sustainable.
Despite this we are convinced God is
in both these projects and are excited
at all that he will achieve through
them. Our top priorities for prayer are
a new treasurer, strength and favour
to ensure we can make everything
happen in time for both projects,
increased income to allow us to
expand our work to help us reach
more than 200 young people each
week, and that young people will
come to meet and know the living God.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
March: Cheltenham MS Society
Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. The severity of the disease varies markedly among sufferers and is characterised by a multiple, patchy pattern of disabilities. These may vary in site and time with unpredictable episodes of disease activity and remission. It often starts in early adult life and the type of long-term damage it causes will depend on which part of the nervous system has been affected.
The Cheltenham & North Cotswold Branch of the MS Society has been in existence since January 1984. This local group aims to be self-supporting, although allied to the National Society, and are very appreciative of our help. They are very clear that any money raised locally is used locally. There is a very strong emphasis on welfare and support for the whole family. Funds are short at the moment and the group is anxious to be able to continue to help with respite care which gives such a valuable rest to the carer. With the awareness that suffers of MS may have young families there is concern for the needs of these young carers, and they have a specific young carers fund. Young carers are being helped towards the cost of driving lessons, as this is such a valuable skill for them to acquire. Money is also made available for people with MS who want to access further education.
The Society wishes to be accessible for anyone affected by MS and can be easily contacted. A monthly newsletter is produced and they are very active and hold regular meetings for members. Carers are invited to coffee mornings at accessible local venues such as garden centres or supermarkets. The social group for younger or newly diagnosed people is thriving and they have regular meetings. Hydrotherapy classes are held at the Leonard Cheshire Home. Exercises groups include a conductive education class and a physiotherapy class. These are run by professionals and are therefore expensive for the support group to provide. Sadly the current shortage of funds means that some other initiatives have had to be put on hold to meet the identified priorities, so I hope we can play a generous part.
If anyone would like to help on a voluntary basis please ring the Branch Contact on: 01452 862822.
Friday, 12 February 2010
February: Christian Aid's Haiti Appeal
As you will be aware, a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti late on 12th January. The epicentre was just to the south of the capital Port-au-Prince, causing devastation across the city and beyond, wrecking buildings, and thousands of people are reported homeless, missing or dead. This is the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in two centuries, and is a terrible event with wide ranging consequences for the people and country as a whole. As well as being a humanitarian tragedy, the impact will be all the more severe on Haiti given its position as the poorest country in the western hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world.
Christian Aid has an office in Haiti, based in Port au Prince, from which it co-ordinates work across the country. It also has an office in the Dominican Republic and the two offices work together on a range of projects. When the Congregational Federation Team visited the Dominican Republic in November they spent a week with the two Christian Aid Managers, Prospery Raymond (Haiti) and Sophie Richmond (Dominican Republic). Amongst the many buildings destroyed in the earthquake was the Christian Aid offices in Haiti, but thankfully Prospery was not injured. His concern now is that there is not enough food in the country to feed the people, nor drinking water.
It is too early to say how long it will take for the country to get back on its feet, but it is estimated that the cost of repairs could run into billions of dollars.
What can we do? Our response at Highbury is to make the Christian Aid Appeal for Haiti our Chosen Charity for February.
Also, to pray for everybody affected by the earthquake; to give thanks for the safety of Christian Aid staff in Haiti and ask for them, and all those helping with the disaster effort, to have strength and courage to deal with their own personal and country-wide loss ....
Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable, and the suffering seems overwhelming, remind us that every person affected is loved,
honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness, and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus in whom all life and grace is found. Amen.
“Prayer for Haiti” comes from Christian Aid.
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