CHARITIES

CHARITY NEWS ...

Refugee Aid from Taunton (RAfT): Charity No:1180367

Unit 4, Enterprise Park, Priorswood Road, Taunton TA2 8FR (next to Grubs Up)
Opening times for donations are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.00 to 2.00pm.
Dedicated RAfT mobile phone which is available to take calls during our opening hours: 07965245284.

Usually when I write the RAfT article it is to bring our Methodist Circuit up to date with the people and places we have been helping since the last report. However, I am breaking with tradition this month in view of the current media situation. The misinformation being bandied around creates a frightening situation for people already traumatised from the conflicts and abuses they have fled. I was sickened by an article I came across in a national daily paper and the emotions it was stirring up for purely political reasons.

You may find the following factual information helpful if you find yourself involved in a discussion:

19 countries in Europe have higher asylum application rates than the UK. Only 1% of the world’s refugees come to the UK and only 7% of UK immigration is from asylum seekers. Most of these already have family connections in the UK.

The Government has a legal obligation to house refugees. The hotels in which they are housed are most often budget brands with minimal occupancy. The manager of Epping for example, has said that it would normally be only 2-3% occupied. The food provided is not familiar to the majority of residents and many are losing weight as a result. They are not allowed to cook for themselves for safety reasons. Refugees in hotels receive £1.37 per day each – not the amount being quoted in the press.

In our area the hotel used houses almost entirely young women from 17 – 35 or women with children. They have escaped violent situations and do not want to be spied upon or further abused by protestors. They are eager to be part of society, but our slow asylum process does not allow them to work or support themselves. Instead, they engage in volunteering, extending their English language skills.

And if you are wanting to know the most desperate needs at the moment, it is for shoes sizes 36 – 39 (3 - 6), coats sizes 10 – 14, new underwear (small and medium) for women and wheeled suitcases for storing clothes (there are no drawers or wardrobes in their rooms) and for when they are moving on.

Elaine Dew

Care and Relief for Children (C.R.Y.):

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is that every child has a right to be free from child labour and all forms of exploitation, the right to education and the right to a life where they can fulfil their full potential. As a result of a Summer Appeal, 30 children have been sponsored out of child labour from working in a quarry in Madagascar.

The July newsletter CRY also highlighted the importance of their Charity Shops and the real and lasting difference these bring about. CRY is reaching out to more children in the world.

In August, partners of CRY, the Shepherd Society in the Holy Land, launched an appeal to purchase handmade dolls for children in Gaza and to assist women there who create toys and dolls. CRY is trying to get at least 50 dolls sponsored as an additional one-off measure that compliments ongoing humanitarian medical support for destitute children on the West Bank. The dolls bring a measure of comfort in the midst of trauma.

Further information about C.R.Y. available on website www.cry.org.uk
Postal enquiries to: Care and Relief for the Young, Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4BZ.

Action for Children:

Information from July notifications:

Celebrating one year of a link with Nationwide Fairer Futures to take on challenge of families living in poverty. This has helped Action for Children to support 36,833 children, young people and parents. 22 family clubs have been launched across the UK.

Other things highlighted for include Action for Children Mental Health Service helping child who had mental health issues with school, exams and home life. Help provided with emotional needs and social interaction. Also highlighted were how donations from supporters help families in financial need to purchase school uniforms. A partnership with Turner & Townsend has created a fund to break down barriers to education for children and young people across the UK with help to obtain basic school essentials.

Information from August notifications:

Ensuring that children are kept safe on-line – guidance provided by Parent Talk Services that offers advice to parents and carers for children under 19.

Publicity for purchasing charity e-cards and of activities that took place in young carers week. Also, celebration of South Asian Heritage Week with the theme ‘Roots to routes.’ This explains journeys of people with South Asian Heritage and how this affects their lives. Article on young girl who was fund raiser of the year.

Finally, an article on child affected by domestic abuse and who moved into a children’s home for 7–18-year-olds.

Full information on Action for Children projects etc. is available at news@actionforchildren-email.org.uk.

Somerset Community Foundation

May Newsletter received in a new-look format. News stories about organisations benefitting from Grants. Information about Somerset Social Investment Programme Opening soon with free virtual event on 6th June. Information about Grants for Groups and individuals. 

Contact details for information and making donations is Somerset Community Foundation, Yeoman House, The Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. Tel 01749 344949. Email: info@somersetcf.org.uk.

Francis Lewis

MHA Newsletter

Most recent newsletter end of July (held over from August Link)

1. Thank you to those who supported the MHA campaign during the General Election. 1200 parliamentary candidates received letters from MHA supporters urging MPs to address the crisis in adult social care. The Care and Support Alliance has launched the next phase of ‘Show Us You Care’ campaign with the focus on the new Government to act.

2. MHA Sunday in June has been a great success. This year the focus was Befriending and a special thanks was given by Pam Rhodes, who is a patron of MHA and much involved in the campaign. Information available on the Value of Befriending.

3. Information about leaving a gift in your Will to MHA.

For further information visit info@mha.org.uk

Francis Lewis

Taunton Welcomes Refugees

Thank you to all of the individuals and churches who have continued to support our work at TWR – by fund raising, gifts, offers of household items, and general support – not to mention your prayers. Thank you too, to all those churches or individuals who have befriended those who are far from home and in a strange culture. We should not underestimate the value of a smiling and welcoming face, or of a safe and warm place!

Only 30 months ago we were a very small charity supporting about 20 Syrian families. Now we have ‘grown like Topsy’! At the last count had over 60 volunteers, are probably supporting about 200 individuals, and find ourselves offering eight different types of activities. We continue to support all those who are seeking refuge (both those who are resettled refugee families, and those who are currently hoping to be given refugee status) without distinction or discrimination. Our work with the Syrian families has moved on to general encouragement, as they apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain’ and then, in many cases, British Citizenship (which is not as easy as it might sound!). They are making a fantastic contribution to our communal life here, and we are so proud of them. Likewise, we continue to support Afghan and Ukrainian families as they have come to live among us. Our work among asylum seekers is also on-going, either through our Coffee & Conversations Session, thorough individual befriending, or through working alongside other charities and the statutory agencies with asylum seekers in pre-dispersal accommodation.

Most of our work is just about ‘being there’ and listening, sometimes it is giving practical help – and nearly always it is also helping with language.

As ever, more work requires more people! We still need new trustees who can help us consolidate or expand our work, plus I will be standing down at the end of the year, so we are also seeking a new training co-ordinator. If you are able to help (or know anyone who might be interested) in the role of either

Chair of Trustees or Training Co-ordinator please contact admin@tauntonwelcomesrefugees.co.uk for further information. Thank you.

Lynne Mayers

DEVELOPMENT OF THE 'HOMES FOR UKRAINE' SCHEME - Temporary accommodation for newly granted refugees in Somerset.

Somerset County Council are currently seeking to expand the Homes for Refugee scheme to offer temporary accommodation to newly granted refugees in Somerset.

Individuals who have received a positive decision on their asylum claim, and are now refugees, are often asked to vacate their existing Home Office accommodation with short notice. As a result, they are at risk of homelessness due to having no priority need under housing legislation. Newly granted refugees come from various countries, and many of these individuals are single males, however, we may have single females occasionally. We are exploring Homes for Refugees as an option to ensure that no-one is at risk of street homelessness.

Instead of asking for a commitment to sponsor a refugee for 6 months like the Home for Ukraine Scheme, we would ask for a commitment of 4 weeks minimum ideally.

This will provide the individual additional time to apply for their benefits, open a bank account and secure move-on accommodation.

The Council will ensure that a meeting is arranged prior to any sponsorship starting so that the host and the potential guest are comfortable with the arrangement. The Council will also complete risk assessments and seek a reference for the guest.

Throughout the process, support can be sought from the Displaced People Service and local Welcome Hubs.

As a thank you, we will recompense you with a payment of £350 per month, providing that the guest is with you for at least 15 days.

If you would like to learn more, please contact Ron and Anne Jordan. 

Charities and other Organisations Needing Your Support
or That Can Offer Support to You ...

LOCAL PANTRY ROWBARTON:

The Rowbarton Local Pantry is continuing to be successful with 45 households currently holding membership. We have still been doing our fortnightly give-away with recent prizes being state of the art mixing bowls, chopping boards and pot & pan sets. They have been very well received.

We are now looking ahead to the Christmas period and are looking to set up each household with a small food bundle in addition to their usual Pantry bags. This year we've decided on a gammon joint, cheese biscuits with 2 different cheeses, some pigs in blankets and a jar of pickled onions. We know from past years that our members are always grateful for the additional boost to their Christmas feasts.

We have also been blessed for another year to have an alliance with Christmas Sparkle which will give all of the children a pre-wrapped gift. This is possible in part to the generosity of the people of Taunton and the Rowbarton congregation. Our families really do enjoy the support & kindness at what can be a tough time of year for many, so a big thank you to you for all of your donations.

We will be having a 2 week break over Christmas to give our wonderful volunteers a rest and to spend as much time with family & friends as possible, as always, a huge thank you to them!!

Rowbarton Local Pantry would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy start to 2025.

If you know of anyone who may need the help we can offer or if you would like to join the scheme as a volunteer or member, please contact the team, by emailing Rowbartonpantry@gmail.com. You can also visit our Facebook page.

Heidi Williams (Team Leader)

WORK-WISE:
Work-Wise is a Somerset based charity which offers free support to job seekers.
It was founded by Temple and Taunton URC in April 2014, and since that time (and having recently celebrated our 10th birthday!), Work-Wise has worked with nearly 200 individuals a year.
Work-Wise provides use of laptops with free WIFI in a safe and friendly atmosphere, and volunteer job–seeking mentors that offer as much or as little advice, mentoring or help as is required. There is always a warm welcome, tea and toast, and a safe environment to offer support.

How we support our members:

CV creation - We have a standard template to help get started. We can help create a CV and we will provide a copy saved to a memory stick so it is always to hand!
Help with cover letters - We will help with adapting a cover letter to suit the job our members are applying for. A standard copy of this can also be saved to their memory stick.
Searching/applying for jobs - If members are less confident on a computer, we will sit with them and navigate the job sites to help them find what they are looking for.
Mock interviews - We can provide a quiet and private room to help members practise for their job interview. We provide feedback to help build and improve interview skills.
Help with benefits - Our Mentors have experience with different benefits and can provide information and help in applying for the appropriate benefits to fit our members’ situations.
Help with applying to further education - If our members are looking to get some extra training, we can help them find and apply for further education/courses.
Regular Job Fairs with local employers - Working with Taunton Job Centre, Work-Wise hosts Job Fairs for local employers and the public. Our Job Club runs alongside, so should people need a copy of their CV (or any other help!), we are ready and waiting!

Ultimately, Work-Wise is here without judgement or pressure, to help any person seeking employment. We provide a listening ear, and sound advice to aid those needing support.

How might YOU help?
We are funded through support from our founding churches and members, but additional donations are always very welcome. If you can offer a one-off donation, or would like to make a small monthly contribution, please would you speak to our Treasurer, Graham Dickinson. We are often grateful for offers of help on our volunteer rota. Some of our volunteers like to spend time preparing the tea and toast; others, with appropriate skills and experience are able to volunteer as a mentor for our members. If you would like to offer, please speak to our Manager, Lucille. 

Work-Wise Update – Possible Extension into Bridgwater

Work-Wise is the Job Club jointly funded by Temple together with Paul Street United Reformed Church. We assist those who may be furthest away from the job market to prepare a CV, apply for jobs and support them through the application process. Work-Wise is based in the Paul Street URC premises with trained volunteers (including some from each church) assisting clients at a session on Wednesday mornings. We have a paid manager to oversee and organise the operation, co-ordinate with the Job Centre and also arrange Job Fairs to bring together those looking for employment and potential employers.

Pre-Covid, we saw the need and opportunity to extend the work into Bridgwater and we were supported in this aim at that time by the Hinkley Point C Community Fund Grants Programme. Unfortunately, due to Covid, we were unable to pursue this plan at that time. However, we feel the time is right to look again at the possibility of offering similar opportunities in Bridgwater. There has been liaison with the Bridgwater Job Centre who are keen to support this possibility; Bridgwater Methodist Church is seen to be ideal premises in which to base this hub, and we have also had an informal first meeting with those who administer the Somerset Community Foundation. We will submit an application for grant support from them during April.

This is an exciting opportunity to extend our Christian witness, supporting a social need within the Circuit and we ask for your prayers and support as we pursue this.

Work-Wise AGM will be on 30th April, 7.30pm at Temple. All very welcome.
Graham Dickinson (Treasurer of Work-Wise)

FURNITRUST

At some point last Autumn, I was asked by a friend if I would consider becoming a Trustee of the Taunton charity FurniTrust. You may have seen the shop in Bridge Street, you may even have used their services, but apart from buying a coat stand from them for the church entrance at the bottom of the side stairs I knew nothing. Neither did I know anything about any sort of commerce but after due reflection I accepted. And, hey-ho, I discovered there were people on the board who knew all about commerce and employ a very able manager who maintains a happy and very worthwhile concern.

The charity was set up to relieve need, hardship and distress by providing furniture and other household equipment to people of limited means resident within the Taunton district at affordable prices, and to keep the items reused rather than in landfill. In order to achieve this, the charity has two vans which collect donated items at no cost to the donor. The items are then made into a saleable state if need be, electrical items are PAT tested, bedding etc. is washed and made up into “starter packs” for people such as refugees who are starting from nothing. The charity Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT), for example, gives a £150 voucher to such people who can then spend this at FurniTrust on the items they need. When ready, the furniture is then available for display in the Bridge Street showroom.

The charity employs twelve staff, both full and part-time, augmented by volunteers who have regular commitments. As with all charities, the wage bill has seen a sharp rise so it means that sales need to be increased; hence more donations will be required.

So now the sales pitch!

Please remember FurniTrust if you have any unwanted items of furniture you want to get rid of (for free!). The current shortage is:

White goods, beds, sofas, and armchairs.

But there is storage for other items!

Tony Bell

DISASTERS EMERGENCY  COMMITTEE (DEC):
Launched in 1963 the DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. They come together to speak in one voice and make fundraising more efficient when we launch an appeal. Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work. In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and our mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. We use a set of criteria to decide when we launch an appeal in response to a disaster overseas and ensure we work effectively. The UK government often agrees to a limited matched funding, and UK taxpayers can 'gift aid' their donation adding a further 25% at no cost.

Active appeals where you can donate online include the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal, and the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. There are additional methods of making a donation that can be found on the website.

SITUATION IN UKRAINE & EMERGENCY APPEALS:

There will be a 'prayer station' set up in Temple from Wednesday to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia.

Following recent collections for the Ukraine appeal we have been able to send a cheque for £556. Thank you. 

Prayers for Ukraine
Statement on Ukraine from the Methodist Presidency

ALL WE CAN and the Methodist Church in Britain have launched an emergency appeal in response to events unfolding in Ukraine. As communities face violence, upheaval, and the trauma of war, your urgent support is needed. Working together with the Global Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain, donations will be used to support the response to the crisis unfolding in Ukraine, and ensure that critical humanitarian assistance is available to those who need it. https://www.allwecan.org.uk/donations/ukraine/

The DISASTERS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE have launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal for families fleeing the conflict having left their homes with only the items they were able to carry. Funds are needed to help provide food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection. At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry. In many places there are long waits to cross and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight. Donations can be made at https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

UNICEF is rapidly scaling up its multi-sectoral response to the increasing humanitarian needs in Ukraine and among refugees in neighbouring countries. Ensuring the protection and well-being of women and children is central to UNICEF's response efforts. Multi-purpose cash transfers will be undertaken to support vulnerable households with children. UNICEF will also provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as the resumption of primary health care and nutrition services and will work to enroll displaced children in local education programmes. Donations can be made at https://www.unicef.org/appeals/ukraine

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