This guide is to help community and voluntary sector organisations like Locality's members to get started on twitter and facebook. It's a short and easy to understand toolkit that provides step-by -step instructions of how to set up and use twitter and facebook, and gives real examples of how other organisations have made use of social media. If you're new to the world of social media and would like to find out how twitter and facebook can help your organisation, this is the guide for you!
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Hilden Charitable Fund - deadline 13 September 2013
The Hilden Charitable Fund has announced that the next deadline for submitting applications is the 13th September 2013. Within the UK, the Hilden Charitable Fund makes grants to projects that address disadvantages, notably by supporting causes which are less popular. In particular, the Fund wants to support projects that address: Homelessness; Asylum seekers and refugees; Community based initiatives for disadvantaged young people 16 – 25; Penal Affairs. Preference is given to supporting small community organisations with an income of less than £500,000 per year. The Trust will consider funding project as well as core running costs of organisations. During 2010 -11 the average grant given was £5,300.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Another Guardian article on Food Banks
Poverty: 50 ways to close a food bank
As food banks struggle to cope with rising demand, they - and politicians - could learn valuable lessons from volunteers in Canada about the precarious nature of charity food provision.
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
CRIME COMMISSIONER'S COMMUNITY ACTION FUND
The new PCC is committed to working with local resident and community groups to support them in making where they live a safer and better place. My Community Action Fund of £50,000 is designed to provide small grants to assist groups in tackling local concerns and helping to deliver my priorities in their area.
see for details and application forms
Mental Health training day - Lancaster Free Methodist Church
Dear all – following my previous email (below) just a quick reminder if you are interested but haven't yet registered and are intending to come to our Mental Health training day we would appreciate you emailing info@lfmc.co.uk to register so we can plan the day appropriately for the numbers coming! Thank you!
---o0o---
Many churches face the challenge of caring for people with mental health issues, which can range from low risk (depression, anxiety) to moderate risk (addictive personalities, self-harm, suicidal thoughts) through to severe risk (bi-polar, schizophrenia, voices) requiring medical intervention. Although we try to provide a loving, safe and welcoming place for all, very few of us have actually been trained and know how to support and care for people within our congregations who face these daily battles.
Because this is something we have been facing as a church over the last few years, we have organised a structured training day with Positive Futures North West for our pastoral team here. Positive Futures have many years of experience working in the community with people with mental health issues.
In conversation with a number of people, I am aware that we are not alone in facing these challenges, and many of you have expressed an interest in receiving such training too. We have therefore designed this training day for churches—ministers, pastoral care teams and carers—to come and receive some outside training in how to care for some of our most vulnerable people. If you, or members of your church pastoral care teams or even carers within your congregation would like to attend, you would be very welcome. We would however appreciate a £5 voluntary contribution per person to cover some of our costs!
To register and reserve places, please contact us on info@lfmc.co.uk / 01524 841941 by Monday 3rd June 2013.
For more information, please feel free to give me a call. Please also feel free to distribute this around your networks should you feel this would be of benefit to other churches you know
Chris Drury
Pastor, Lancaster Free Methodist Church
Queen Street, Lancaster. LA1 1RX
01524 841941
For more information about LFM, see www.lfmc.co.uk
For my blog and other info, see www.chrisdrury.org
Friday, 24 May 2013
The Church and Community Fund
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Wednesday, 22 May 2013
'Stories from the Street: A Theology of Homelessness' by David Nixon [Review by John Kurht]
The structure of the book promises much. David Nixon, an Anglican Priest in Plymouth, constructed the book around interviews with eleven people who have experienced homelessness – these are the 'stories from the street'. Their centrality to the book gives a prominence and weight to the real life stories of actual homeless people
a 'theology of homelessness' should help define what the Church has to say about justice, hope and transformation. Disappointingly, Stories from the Street does not achieve this.
Monday, 13 May 2013
Urban Embrace
URBAN EMBRACE is a three day event run by Urban Expression hosted in Manchester.
URBAN EMBRACE seeks to bring together a group of experienced practitioners and academics (and everything in between) from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to explore together the pressing issues that we face as Christians involved in ministry and work in the city. Through structured and informal conversations we will seek develop both theology and practice that relate to our spheres of engagement.
We hope that people from a wide variety of professions ranging through private, public and voluntary sectors would benefit from joining us, as well as those involved in ministry, mission and theological education.
CREATIVITY & VARIETY
We aim to explore Christian theology and spirituality in a variety of creative ways:
- writing (poetry and liturgy), eating, walking, bread making …
- nurturing a sense of space and rest, seeking to know the presence of Jesus
- experiencing and understanding something of the life of our host city
- stimulating conversations and partnerships that might continue through the year through sharing papers, online conversation, informal meetings etc.
BOOKING
The cost of the event is £50 which includes all meals except breakfasts.
Accommodation is not included in this cost. We hope to arrange bed and breakfast accommodation with local people for those who want it. Otherwise we ask that you arrange your own accommodation for the two nights. Please indicate when booking whether you would like help arranging accommodation.
Confirmation of the Manchester venues will be confirmed and updated here as soon as possible.
If you have queries please contact Doreen McIntosh at enquiries@urbanexpression.org.uk or Mike Pears pears@pobox.com
FACILITATING TEAM
URBANEMBRACE is being facilitated by a small team of Urban Expression members: Tim Presswood, Clare McBeath, Doreen McIntosh & Mike Pears
Benefit changess documents from Rethink Mental Illness -
Hello everyone
Please find on this websiste
two new documents from Rethink Mental Illness - an overview of all recent changes to benefits, and a very comprehensive guide to the Personal Independence Payment which is replacing DLA. From next month all new claimants for disability benefits will be assessed for PIP, subsequently anyone already on DLA and who has a change of circumstances will be reassessed for PIP, and from 2015 all DLA claimants will be 'migrated' to PIP (this is likely to take 3 years or so).
We are still waiting for the result of the January judicial review of the Work Capability Assessment. The delay is being interpreted to mean that the legal issues involved are very complex, and I'll let you know as soon as there is some news.
Please let me know if you don't want to receive these emails.
Best wishes
Valerie
rethink mental illness
Challenging attitudes, changing lives
Rethink Carers Lancashire 07968 990614
c/o Rethink Mental Illness N.W. Regional Office
The Wesley Centre, Royce Road, Manchester M15 5BP
Visit www.rethink.org
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
NEW REPORT: Faith and spirituality in the lives of homeless people
Looks interesting... You will have to register on the site to access the publication...
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Thursday, 2 May 2013
Jesus in the City 2013 Manchester - May's news ..... This will be a really worthile event ... Please book and Publicise
If you have not booked your place for the next 'Jesus in the City' Urban Mission Congress, Manchester from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th September, then I have some good news for you! The early bird offer has been extended to the 1st June. Booking can be made on line by going to www.jitc2013.co.uk Right at the end of the email is a provisional programme ('subject to confirmation' ) and within the next month we will be sending out final details.
Our keynote speaker Dr Tony Campolo who makes a compelling argument to join us (watch his YouTube clip http://vimeo.com/61168868 or go to our website) will be joined by guests like Ann Morisy, Bishop Laurie Green, Rev Les Isaac, Marijke Hoek, Neill Cooper, Stuart Murray-Williams, and others. For several sessions we will be using a sharing and learning method called 'World Café'. This is a concept based on the observation that often the best parts of conferences are the interaction and swapping of stories and experiences that takes place at coffee-breaks and meal-times, and on the value that everyone has something to learn and to contribute.
To help you understand the focus of this coming Urban Congress, over the next few months we will present some of this year's organisers' viewpoints. The first voice you are going to hear is Niall Cooper, National Coordinator for Church Action on Poverty who came up with our title 'Making Sense of the Fragments'.
Niall writes: 'The urban context itself is fragmented, and possibly more so than ever, in both social and economic terms. Huge disparities in wealth, income, life experience and opportunity, with rich and poor within the city (and more generally) increasingly living in geographically separate communities and having totally different experiences of what it means to live in the city. Huge diversity in social, ethnic and religious terms... If we are to do anything in an urban context we need to not just see this fragmented reality, but work harder to make sense of it, in terms of mapping the various realities, understanding the connections between the fragments and working out what being seekers of justice (or life in all its fullness) means in this context.
We must take seriously the fragmentation of the churches in the urban context (not to say how the churches relate to other faith communities). In many ways the fragmentation of the churches mirror that of the city itself, with 'successful wealthy churches' for the relatively well off and 'poor struggling churches' for others. And this is not even to get into the fragmentation born out of theological, institutional or denominational difference.... So how do we make sense of these fragments, not by claiming that 'our' response is the 'right' one, but by engaging in dialogue, which affirms our diversity whilst at the same time creating space for us to come together... For the sake of the city and all who live in her.'
What part can the Church play in bringing the fragments together and creating a new Kingdom-inspired picture image, instead of the one that is often portrayed of our inner city and urban areas? The answer to that question is up to you! But we hope our three days together will be an encouragement and inspiration for you alongside others to continue to address that question.
You can find more information about the programme, hosting, bookings and costs on the website. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to seeing you in September.
Your servant in Christ Jesus
Peter Gilson
On behalf of Jesus in the City 2013
154 Church Lane, Moston, Manchester, M9 4HZ
T: 0161 205 7380 M:0790 610 2522
Provisional programme ('subject to confirmation')
Friday 6th September 2013
10.00am Arrival: Registration & Refreshments. Our main venue for Friday and Saturday is Coverdale Baptist, Coverdale Crescent, Ardwick, Manchester, M12 4FG.
11.00am Hello Session: Introduction of the themes, choices and guests.
11.30am Content Block: Setting the scene, key guests will present their outlook on 'Making sense of the Fragments' as a prelude to our 'Open Space' discussions
1.00pm Lunch: Provided for delegates.
2.00pm Open Space: Marijke Hoek will be hosting 'World Café' sessions, picking up aspects of the theme that have come up through input from urban activists.
2.00pm Site Visits: On arrival delegates will be given the choice to visit ministries around the city to see them in action and meet staff. There will be a limited number of places.
5.30pm Evening Meal: Provided for delegates
7.00pm Question Time: Moulded on the hard hitting BBC Question Time, with guest panellists Rev Les Isaac, founder and CEO of Street Pastors, Neill Cooper form Church Action on Poverty, Tony Lloyd Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner and others. Topics and questions will be set by you, the audience, chaired under the careful eyes of BCC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Shaft.
Saturday 7th September
10.30am: Arrival: Registration & Refreshments
11.00am Devotional:
11.30am Open Space: Marijke Hoek will be hosting 'World Café' sessions, picking up aspects of the theme that have come up through input from urban activists.
1.00pm Lunch: Provided for delegates.
2.00 Market Place: Key people in the field and local ministry providers to speak about their topic, answer questions and lead a join discussion around their table. After a given time slot, delegates will be asked to move to another table of their choice – a type of informational 'speed dating'. If you would like to get involved please give us a short portfolio of yourself and your ministry/topic.
2.00pm Site Visits: On arrival delegates will be given the choose to visit ministries around the city to see them in action and meet staff. There will be limited number of places.
4.30pm Free time
6.00pm Campolo & Curry: We are hosting a three course buffet Indian meal at one of Manchester's finest Banqueting Halls Eastern Pearl, 250 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 0BG. With music from Andy Flannagan and other guests, and keynote speaker Dr Tony Campolo.
Sunday 8th September
Morning Church Services: Delegates will be encouraged to join their host churches or other suggested urban churches. Dr Tony Campolo will be speaking at a local congregation.
Lunch: Delegates will joined by their hosts for a full Hog Roast using the Brunswick Parish Church grounds and/or indoor facilities (depending on the weather!)
Open Space: Marijke Hoek will be hosting our final time together, with our theme, 'commitment'. – What am I going to do when I get home? How have I made sense of the fragments and how has this changed my outlook?
Saying Goodbye: Though our afternoon will be more fluid we want to ensure where possible that we all have a chance to say our goodbyes together.
Mental Health Training Day Sat 8th June - Lancaster Free Methodist Church
Subject: Mental Health Training Day Sat 8th June
Many churches face the challenge of caring for people with mental health issues, which can range from low risk (depression, anxiety) to moderate risk (addictive personalities, self-harm, suicidal thoughts) through to severe risk (bi-polar, schizophrenia, voices) requiring medical intervention. Although we try to provide a loving, safe and welcoming place for all, very few of us have actually been trained and know how to support and care for people within our congregations who face these daily battles.
Because this is something we have been facing as a church over the last few years, we have organised a structured training day with Positive Futures North West for our pastoral team here. Positive Futures have many years of experience working in the community with people with mental health issues.
In conversation with a number of people, I am aware that we are not alone in facing these challenges, and many of you have expressed an interest in receiving such training too. We have therefore designed this training day for churches—ministers, pastoral care teams and carers—to come and receive some outside training in how to care for some of our most vulnerable people. If you, or members of your church pastoral care teams or even carers within your congregation would like to attend, you would be very welcome. We would however appreciate a £5 voluntary contribution per person to cover some of our costs!
To register and reserve places, please contact us on info@lfmc.co.uk / 01524 841941 by Monday 3rd June 2013.
For more information, please feel free to give me a call. Please also feel free to distribute this around your networks should you feel this would be of benefit to other churches you know
Chris Drury
Pastor, Lancaster Free Methodist Church
Queen Street, Lancaster. LA1 1RX
01524 841941
For more information about LFM, see www.lfmc.co.uk
For my blog and other info, see www.chrisdrury.org
Skype address:christopher.drury
Latest Serve newsletter - Building a just society, building hope
Lots of useful resources, events, funding information here
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Looking around me, I see lots of people really keen to make this happen, and I'm privileged to work with many Christians, churches, entrepreneurs and organisations who are starting to demand this and build it in their own communities. Watching the number of churches keen to be involved gives me hope that we will get there.
hurch leaders as 'a gift to the church'. And the latest part of that gift is a great new resource book that gives churches all the inspiration, ideas and resources needed to spread hope in villages, towns and cities in 2014 as churches work together in mission in words and action.
Prince's Trust team programme
The current Prince's Trust team programme which is due to start on Tuesday 7th May have a couple of spare places which we don't want any Young People to miss out on a life changing opportunity. However they are also still open to offers from local organisations who have any potential Community Projects for the team to work on. If organisations do have any projects or groups that they would like the Prince's Trust to work with them please contact Stewart Meadwell on 07736433368 or stewart.meadwell@groundwork.org.uk.
Furthermore this is just a reminder that I am still providing free Mentoring opportunities for Young People aged 16-17 who are currently NEET. I have attached the flyer again and please note that the criteria now includes:
- 1 GCSE at grade A*-C
- Young people leaving a custodial setting
- Young people who are in care/care leaver
Tel: 01772 257577 Mob: 07739952232
Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan 8 Camden Place Preston PR1 3JL.
Examples of Inclusive ministries and church activities... From Prospects for People with Learning Disabilities
If you want to get a sense of what we (Prospects) are about, listen to a
parents' story (3 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152529253045652&set=vb.15783615963&type=2&theater
Two examples of mission work I the C of E is interested in and asking us to
help the church become more accessible:
1. Ignite: St Pauls Church, Cliftonville, Margate - a new evening church
that has drawn in 60 plus members, many alcohol and drug dependent, 80% with
learning difficulties and vulnerable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A45dX0xsXFg
2. Open Door: St Paul with St Luke, Tranmere, to be replicated in St
Mary's Church, Liscard Wallasey - a midweek church attracting
benefit-dependent people who spend much of their day at home watching
television. Teaching uses a familiar media - short films through TV
screens. Many in this group are of high needs with mental health, addiction
problems and have mild learning disabilities.
http://www.chester.anglican.org/news.asp?Page=512#.UYDcQKKG3To
Gordon Gill
Fundraising Manager
Mission and Ministry
Prospects for People with Learning Disabilities
t 0118 9516 965
m 0797 7147 918
skype gordon-prospects
"Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way
that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us
in our vision and mission"
Henri Nouwen - Spirituality of Fundraising
www.prospects.org.uk <http://www.prospects.org.uk>
Investor in People - Best Companies 2009: 2 Star Winner - Times 100 Best
Companies 2009
Registered Office: 69 Honey End Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4EL
A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and operating
throughout the UK, number 3305658. Registered Charity number 1060571
Scotland SC040944
parents' story (3 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152529253045652&set=vb.15783615963&type=2&theater
Two examples of mission work I the C of E is interested in and asking us to
help the church become more accessible:
1. Ignite: St Pauls Church, Cliftonville, Margate - a new evening church
that has drawn in 60 plus members, many alcohol and drug dependent, 80% with
learning difficulties and vulnerable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A45dX0xsXFg
2. Open Door: St Paul with St Luke, Tranmere, to be replicated in St
Mary's Church, Liscard Wallasey - a midweek church attracting
benefit-dependent people who spend much of their day at home watching
television. Teaching uses a familiar media - short films through TV
screens. Many in this group are of high needs with mental health, addiction
problems and have mild learning disabilities.
http://www.chester.anglican.org/news.asp?Page=512#.UYDcQKKG3To
Gordon Gill
Fundraising Manager
Mission and Ministry
Prospects for People with Learning Disabilities
t 0118 9516 965
m 0797 7147 918
skype gordon-prospects
"Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way
that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us
in our vision and mission"
Henri Nouwen - Spirituality of Fundraising
www.prospects.org.uk <http://www.prospects.org.uk>
Investor in People - Best Companies 2009: 2 Star Winner - Times 100 Best
Companies 2009
Registered Office: 69 Honey End Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4EL
A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and operating
throughout the UK, number 3305658. Registered Charity number 1060571
Scotland SC040944
Carers UK - bedroom penalty
You might be interested in the advice that Carers UK are putting out about the "bedroom tax":
Challenging a bedroom tax decision - toolkit
Anyone affected will by now have received a letter from their council telling them about the decision. They have one month from the date of the letter to challenge the decision and this toolkit will help.
The kit consists of a standard letter and six arguments from which must be chosen the reason or reasons why a person thinks the decision is wrong. One or more of these arguments can be selected- whichever are
relevant to individual circumstances. The arguments are as follows:
Argument 1: If you or your partner need overnight care from someone who does not usually live with you and so need an extra room. (You may find it useful to read the factsheet on the Bedroom Tax before using this argument).
Argument 2: If an adult son or daughter, a parent or another adult needs overnight care from someone who does not usually live with you and so you need an extra room. (You may find it useful to read the factsheet on the Bedroom Tax before using this argument).
Argument 3: If you or your spouse or partner needs their own room
Argument 4: If a member of your household needs an extra room for other reasons
Argument 5: If your home has been specially adapted to meet the needs of a disabled person
Argument 6: If someone in the household has mental or physical health problems
Follow this link for more information.
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