This year we have donated to seven charities:
The Trinity Centre:
A Winchester-based charity which addresses the effects of homelessness and vulnerability through specialist practical and emotional support, and proactive prevention, empowering positive change. They help people who are vulnerable to the effects of homelessness, addiction, physical and mental ill health, poverty, social isolation and domestic abuse.
Karis Kids:
Karis Kids is a fairly new initiative, started in 2007, which brings hope to children orphaned by AIDS in Uganda. The Christian charity integrates these children into, and supports them with, adoptive families. The aim is to place orphans with the families of relatives, but when this is not possible, then with other households in the local church. In the spring of 2012 the Downs Benefice became involved in a new outreach of the work, with the parish of St Paul’s in Kampala. The majority of those in the parish live in the Okuvu slum, and this is one of the poorest areas of Kampala. In the autumn of 2012 Carol Ward had the opportunity to pay a short visit to Okuvu and met the first 6 supported families and also Rev John Akitu of St Paul’s church. Since then, we have been able to increase the number of families supported, currently numbering nine. The need is so great and we would love to be able to take on more in due course.
Downs Benefice contact – Carol Ward
Karis_Kids_-_Introductory_Letter
Winchester Churches Night Shelter:
Winchester Churches Nightshelter is open 365 days a year offering an essential lifeline and first port of call for those in crisis. They provide high quality accommodation and food, a safe and caring temporary home, and specialist support to restore self-esteem, develop skills, and support people back into long-term accommodation and independent living. Their aim is to enable people to rebuild their lives and escape homelessness for good.
Video - "It's more than a bed and a roof"
Video - "The impact of homelessness"
Boaz Project:
Boaz Project is a therapeutic work environment for adults with learning difficulties, located just outside Winchester. Here they can achieve a sense of self worth and learn new skills such as working on the land, looking after the animals, baking, making craft goods, and wood working in the workshop. The project's Christian ethos seeks to address the whole person in body, mind and spirit, aiming to release each person's full potential. The character and needs of each member are respected and nurtured.
Website: www.boazproject.co.uk
Winchester Street Pastors:
Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who care about the community in Winchester. They offer reassurance, safety and support to all people working in, or enjoying, the city's night time economy on Fridays and Saturdays; thereby making the city safer at night.
https://streetpastors.org/locations/winchester/
Street Reach:
Street Reach is a Winchester based charity working with young people, in the city and surrounding areas, who are experiencing disadvantage. The charity supports these young people in need through weekly outreach sessions, youth club nights, drop-in projects and trips.
ShelterBox:
ShelterBox is a charity that delivers aid to families devastated by conflict or natural disaster, to give them durable shelter and the tools to rebuild communities. Their global network of supporters, staff and volunteers make it possible to deliver aid to some of the most remote communities in the world.