StreetWise January 2009 – Quarterly Newsletter In This Issue – Sleeping Out 27-28 February 2009 – Why not get involved? More Snippets What our clients have to say! Volunteering on the LITE Course and much more... Bringing God’s grace and healing love to people with life disrupting problems Contents p.2 Dear friends p.3 Mari – her story p.4 Sleeping Out p.5 Christmas Party 2008 p.7 Wild Goose Notes p.8 LITE course update p.9 LITE volunteers p.10 Memories of Leicester p.11 For your diary p.12 Supporting CCM Dear Friends, One of the real perks of this job is that I get to meet lots of interesting people, and often get the chance to talk with them about things that matter to them. And, when they find out what I do, they often have some strong opinions about the people we serve and the issues we face. If you are homeless, some people seem to ‘know’ that it is all your own fault. You have chosen to spend money on drugs or alcohol instead of paying the rent. All you have to do is to behave responsibly, and everything will be fine. Of course, life is not that simple – but sometimes people don’t want to hear that. One of the questions I am regularly being asked is about the difference the current financial crisis – misleadingly called ‘the credit crunch’ – will make to our work. So far, we have no way of telling. Greater poverty and more people losing their jobs is likely to mean more people ending up homeless. Everyone agrees that the level of need is likely to get much greater over the next year or two. Several of the charities and trusts that have supported us in the past have less money, and are being asked to do more. It is also likely that a number of our supporters will find themselves in financial difficulties, and our income will drop as a consequence. On the other side, it is possible that attitudes towards homeless people will change. Perhaps, if enough respectable people find themselves in real need, the public might become more sympathetic to those who have fallen through the net. Greater sympathy would be a change for the better. But a bigger (and more significant) change would be for people to stop asking whose fault it is. When things go badly wrong, there are always two aspects: what I did, and what other people did. Inevitably, I made some bad choices – we all do. And I have been harmed by the mistakes, and sometimes by the malicious intent, of others. And sometimes my mistakes come together with my circumstances in a way which causes everything to fall apart. It is never purely my fault, and it is never only other people: it is always both. In the end, it does not matter who is to blame. What matters is that a human being is in need, and I can do something about it. Part of this process must involve asking how to avoid ending up here again. Learning and growing are good and necessary, but they have only a passing similarity to the familiar activity of pinning the blame. Paul Hazelden, General Manager Mari – her story … Above: Lyn (a volunteer) and Mari (on right) 74 year old Mari Ciancaglini arrived in Bristol mid-November clutching a folder full of papers, some clothes and a small bag. What little money she did have was stolen from her the previous week in Manchester. She had flown there from Italy looking for employment in the UK. On arrival in Manchester she was, bizarrely, advised to try Bristol, where the climate might suit her better! Having arrived in Bristol she spent her first night sleeping in the coach station, then spent a few traumatic nights in squats and a night shelter before being found a temporary space in a women's hostel. In Italy, the house she rented had been compulsorily purchased and knocked down to build a railway track, leaving her without a home. "I came here because I wanted to find my own way to work and live here. When I was a child I grew up with English people – I have always wanted to come to live here," said Mari animatedly. Mari (pronounced Mary) was born in Argentina to a well-off family, then moved to Italy in 1970 to find some good medical care for appendicitis. While she was there she worked for a passenger ship company and travelled the world as a stewardess until the company closed down. "By that time," said Mari, "my mother back in Argentina had died and the rest of my family had taken all the family inheritance." She was left with next to nothing. As a result of her work and travels she speaks six languages – Spanish, Italian, English, German, Portuguese and French. Mari, who has never had any children, managed to stay on in Italy alone, before eventually deciding to try her luck in England. Alan and Lisa became personally involved with the plight of Mari when she called into the Wild Goose. Then, following publicity through an article in the Bristol Evening Post, many people called the Crisis Centre with offers of help and accommodation. Some temporary bed and breakfast accommodation was first arranged for Mari by CCM and the City Council. That was only for a few days, and when there was a lapse in provision she spent nights in various homes. Eventually, at the end of December, Alan approached Emmaus Bristol, which is part of a worldwide charity for homeless people and can provide a home, work and support for destitute and homeless people in a supportive community house. They were able, amazingly, to offer her a place. Mari settled in brilliantly and immediately got involved in helping with the cleaning of the house. The community manager of the Emmaus Bristol house, Dave Perry, is delighted to have someone like Mari staying there who is playing a ‘matriarchal role’ in a place which has a predominance of males. “I am very happy here” said Mari, recently when we spoke to her, “it is like a miracle. I want to say thank you to every one who has helped. The other people here are very kind; if I don't know how to do something they help me. The residents are all so young. I don't know whether I am like their mama or their grandmama!” Mari is now one of twenty companions in the Emmaus Bristol community and will receive an allowance, some of which will be saved for her. She will pay no rent or bills but is expected to work for the charity whether in its second-hand furniture shop, cleaning the house or cooking for the other companions. Emmaus will be able to look after Mari if she stays there, even as she gets older and can no longer work. “Emmaus is all about thinking about people worse than ourselves. We will be here for Mari as long as she needs us.” Dave Perry said. Snippets ... We've been asking some more of our regular visitors about themselves and what they think of us. Look out for these little snippets of people's lives through the newsletter. Sleep Out at Pip ‘n’ Jay 27 February 2009 The BCAN Homeless Forum is arranging a Sleep Out in the grounds of Pip ‘n’ Jay, from 10 pm on the night of Friday 27 February 2009 to 7 am on Saturday 28 February. Why a Sleep Out? To fund-raise. To raise the awareness of the plight of homeless people in Bristol and the work of organisations supporting them. To demonstrate a unity of goal and purpose amongst these organisations. If you would like to take part in the Sleep Out on 27 February then you can do this via CCM or one of the other ‘homeless’ organisations. If not, you can still sponsor sleepers to raise money for any of us. For further details of how to do this or to be involved in other ways then please visit the Bristol Christian Action Network website – www.bcan.org.uk/sleepout or ring CCM on 0117 942 3088. Christmas ‘08 Unwrapped The Christmas party is possibly one of the highlights of the year here at Crisis Centre. As our own humble shop is far too small to hold such an event, we were delighted to be able to share the organisation of the party with Elim @ Bristol in Jamaica Street and to use their facilities. With all good parties there follows a sequence of events which must be strictly adhered to:- Get the invites out! Everyone from the Wild Goose and the LITE course was invited to the party, with promises of food, entertainment and a present. We shut the shop on the day and directed everyone down to the party on Jamaica Street. Supply Mouth Watering Party Food No one was disappointed! Margaret Pinnock and her Westbury Baptist team plated up 120 delicious meals plus the tables were strewn with crackers, sweets, clementines and chocolates. A group of volunteers from Elim served vast quantities of tea and coffee for two hours, non stop. Book Live entertainment We had live Karaoke from George and Jeremy. Trudie Lane made a guest appearance and even joined in for a karaoke carol. (Yes, really!) Later the party goers took to the stage and had a go – they were stars! Give away lots of Presents With the help of volunteers from Clevedon Baptist we wrapped 150 gift packs that included gloves, hats, socks, shaving gel and razors, toiletries, chocolate, sweets, an illustrated gospel of John, pens and a Christmas greeting from the Crisis Centre. Ensuring a smooth administration of the gift packs can be a tricky business and despite wrapping so many presents we ran out and had to make up another twenty or so. Thankfully we had been blessed with gifts from many individuals and churches so were able to successfully do this without too much disappointment for anyone. To finish the day there was a small incident outside the coffee shop but, as Lisa so rightly said, 'It just isn't a party unless the police get called!' Here are some pictures of the Crisis Centre Christmas party 2008 to give you a flavour of the event! Above: Margaret Pinnock and helper from Westbury Baptist plating up food Above: Ricky (volunteer) with Jeremy and George (karaoke) Above: Eddie (guest) and Collette volunteer) Above: The karaoke went down a storm! Snippet ... 31 year old male “I'm always looking after people; those on drugs or homeless. I'm hard working and don't get paid but I'm happy with that. I don't suffer from an addiction although I am an ex-crack addict. I currently live in a squat. I've lived in Bristol all my life and I would like to help run a homeless shelter with a workshop. One day I hope to settle down with someone and have a family. Every day I come to the Goose and this is the one place that offers so much and is open five days a week. The Wild Goose helps me with food and support which is excellent!” Wild Goose Notes - Alan Goddard There is always so much going on at the Crisis Centre that I often find it difficult to decide what to include when writing an article for 'StreetWise'. Over the past few months I have been coming in to work on Saturdays or Sundays, for a couple of hours, intending to do paper work or sort out the stock. Sometimes I manage to do what I go in to do, sometimes I don't. Just before Christmas, on a Saturday morning, someone knocked on the Wild Goose door asking for food. (We'll call him P.) He has been coming into the Wild Goose since I started at the Crisis Centre. He is a quiet man in his thirties, an alcoholic, who I have never seen cause any problems. We sat down and he shared a very big part of his life. He shared with me that through social drinking he eventually became dependent on drink, seeing his relationship fall apart between himself, his wife and children. His wife had asked him to leave, which he did and now nearly five years have passed. He admits his addiction has got much worse and doesn't really know which way to turn. He would like to stop drinking and has tried, but living on the streets and having many other alcoholics around him, the environment just doesn't allow this. P goes on to tell me how he feels he let down his wife and children and often wonders how they are. Especially, as we approach Christmas, he remembers the good times he had with his family. He remembers the Christmas's and swapping presents. P gets a little emotional. I have to say I found myself a little upset. P seems to be a person who doesn't want to be amongst loads and loads of people. I have noticed in the past when he has come in for food he normally goes outside and eats alone and leaves again quite quickly. It's possible that with larger premises we could support more people on a one to one basis. Please add this to your prayer list. P is one of many many alcoholics living on the streets of Bristol and in hostels. Even if P wanted to address his addiction there is still very little funding. After reading this article: I would ask you to pray that Bristol's Local Authorities look very carefully at how they allocate their funding, to allow for detox and residential rehabilitation. Cont'd ... This past year, we have seen many homeless people die of alcohol related problems. P himself was taken into hospital quite recently for hypothermia. Over the coming months we will try to support P with whatever he would like support with. We have seen so many this year trying to address their addiction and problems and going on to succeed. I would like to thank all churches, volunteers and individuals for their prayers, their love, encouragement and generosity which allows us to be alongside these people. May God bless you. If you know of anyone who may benefit from our help please contact me. Or if you would like to know more about CCM or any of the above or if you would like me to speak at any groups or churches I’d love to hear from you. Alan Goddard – Coffee Shop Manager CCM Tel: 0117 942 3088 Mobile 07967 596 589 Email alan@crisis-centre.org.uk Snippet ... 34 year old female I used to be on drugs but I've swapped that habit for alcohol. I've got two children but I leave them with their Nan. I've not got a lot of support apart from the Wild Goose. I've only been in Bristol for 3 - 4 years, and I came to live here for a man! I have only just sorted out getting my house; it has taken a long time. I come to the Wild Goose as often as I can and get the support I need. This is talking about housing and addiction and generally chatting. Thanks to the staff and volunteers who love and care for us no matter what the time is. The current LITE course has been running since September 2008 and finishes at the end of January '09. We have seen a varying level of attendance but have had several students come along to the majority of the course. The first part of the current LITE was held at the Compass Centre, Jamaica Street although due to some technical difficulties the last part was relocated back to Crisis Centre. Overall, it has been a good experience working with those from the Compass Centre and we hope to build on this in the months to come. We are very grateful to our faithful volunteers who include, Alan, Gill and Ann plus visits from Trudie and Claire. Alan Faulkner - LITE Volunteer My first awareness of the Crisis Centre came a number of years ago at a talk by Derek Groves, after which it seemed right to become a supporter. On retiring from work (was it really almost three years ago?) I was advised not to take on any responsibilities for the first year, and this seemed good advice. The Summer ‘07 edition of StreetWise contained a note that helpers would be useful on the LITE course, so I made contact with Andy Luxford and was duly welcomed into the team. This was just as well, because it felt very much like a move into uncharted territory! As most readers will be aware, the LITE course operates on two afternoons weekly for a period of around five months. Clearly a good deal of thought has gone into the planning of a course which is relevant to our client base and there is time to cover in reasonable depth the four modules: Looking after Yourself, Relating to Others, Finding your Potential and The Next Step. A variety of presentation is used including role play, videos, working through questions by discussion, and a few games for light relief and development of teamwork. The ground rules on how we relate to each other are drawn up by discussion and agreement among the students early in the course. The Crisis Centre staff and volunteers have been a great team to work along with. Although some of the students have sadly not been as regular attenders as we would have hoped, others have gained their certificates for regular attendance at the end of each module and have set an example of determination to improve their standing in the community at large, and of support for each other, not least among our present students. Altogether, it is a really good experience to serve in this team and hopefully this is a way to thank the Lord for all the good things I have taken for granted throughout my life. Alan W Faulkner Gill Luxford - 'Why I like being a volunteer on the LITE course' For the last two years I have been a volunteer on the LITE course. I really enjoy this as it is such a good opportunity to help people who are seriously trying to move forward with their lives. Most students are having to overcome long term problems in order to get themselves back into education and on to work. The groups are small (usually 6 to 8 students) which gives time to get to know each other and work as a group. You get to take part in all that is going on whether it’s the healthy eating session, which includes preparing and eating a feast or seeing which team can build the best bridge out of newspaper or more serious times like basic computer skills and preparing a CV. Last year I went on the outdoor pursuit’s week in Dartmoor and ended up down a cave! Depending on the needs of the students on any one course you can find yourself giving support in different ways. Help is needed with literacy, numeracy, emotional support, last year one young girl had really bad visual problems and general input into discussion times. There is always a challenge but together we overcome. It is really rewarding when people move on to other courses or into employment. Although its not people by the hundred everyone counts and proportionately the success rates are really high. If you are interested in volunteering on the LITE course, contact Andy Luxford on 0117 942 3088 or email andy@crisis-centre.org.uk Snippet ... 29 year old male “I am a drug addict who has been clean for one week and two days. I've always been in and out of prison. I feel physically and mentally drained. I had a very bad childhood and I've been on heroin and crack for as long as I can remember. I come to the Wild Goose whenever I can: it's great to see the staff and the Wild Goose has helped me with support, friendship and food. I am grateful to everyone, staff and volunteers, who always listen to me and for their help and giving. Thanks.” Memories of working with the homeless in Leicester – Mark Tuby I was at the new Bristol and S Gloucester Circuit launch day exhibition and my stand was next to the Crisis Centre Ministries stand. I knew of the Methodist Centre but not the Crisis Centre in St Pauls. Back in the early 1990's I had some involvement working with the homeless in Leicester but it was only a small part of my job. The work that is done is invaluable. We used to run a lunchtime club three days a week for the elderly, the unemployed and the homeless. It was very encouraging to see the change in the homeless' self respect. They were allowed in with 'ordinary' people and gradually they made the effort to clean themselves up and smarten up. They were accepted as equals and that meant the world to them. We also had a Young Homeless Under 21's Hostel in the grounds where I assisted from time to time. It was amusing to walk into the city centre proper. There was a main arterial pedestrian subway where the beggars regularly gathered to ply their trade. I could always tell the residents from the hostel – they were the ones trying to hide when they saw me coming! Caring for people, helping them find their self respect and showing the love of God in action is so important. Keep up the good work! Mark Tuby (International Methodist House) Harvest and Christmas Giving – A great big thank you! Thank you to everyone who gave us food, gifts and money from their harvest services and for Christmas. It was lovely to have our cupboards bulging and to have pots of fresh, healthy vegetables and fruit to serve in the coffee shop. So unlike poor Oliver (below) who wasn’t allowed “Please sir, can I have some more?” more gruel, our clients enjoyed a bountiful supply of excellent food over the festive period. Caring at Christmas also provided wonderful festive fare when it opened its doors from Christmas eve until 30 December. Please see the Christmas party article for more information. For your diary Monthly Prayer. Please come along and support us on the last Thursday of each month, starting at 7:30 pm. Please see the CCM diary or ring us for the venue. We are also starting a regular lunchtime prayer meeting. If you are interested in coming along to this, please contact the office for further details. Learn how to ‘Share Your Faith’ in a way which is effective and enjoyable for you and for the people you meet. Two opportunities: Saturday 18 April or three Wednesday evenings: 8, 15 & 22 April, from 7:30 – 9:30. Also, don't forget – Sleep Out, Pip ‘n’ Jay Friday 27 February 2009 Farewell to John Williams We were saddened by the recent death of John, a faithful volunteer with CCM for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret, John's wife and all the family. Supporting the Crisis Centre Want to support us? You can make a difference too. PRAY! – Subscribe to our prayer emails to keep you up-to-date on current prayer needs. Follow the instructions on the ‘Email List’ page or the web site or email us. You could pray for the staff and volunteers, or you may be challenged by something you have read in the newsletter and want to pray for that person or situation. DONATE REGULARLY – For a standing order form please visit our web site or contact us. Regular giving gives us more freedom to plan for the future. Through Gift Aid your gifts mean even more! VOLUNTEER – Come and be a part of what is happening here. We need volunteers to help serve in the Wild Goose, to help Andy on the LITE course, to fund raise for us and to support our clients and their families. Speak to us and see where you could get involved. FUND-RAISE – Please encourage your church, school or youth group to make us one of their preferred charities and then fund-raise for us. INVITE US TO SPEAK – We would be delighted to visit your church, homegroup, youth group, women’s group, or any other kind of group, and speak about the work of CCM. DONATE FOOD – Please donate tins and dried food. For details please call us, or see the list on the ‘Current Needs’ page of the web site. SURF THE INTERNET – Go to our web site and visit the ‘Support via Web Search’ page. Bookmark one of the search engines on that page and use it as your default Internet search. We get a small donation for every search performed via either of these sites. REMEMBER US IN YOUR WILL – Please contact us for details. BUY BOOKS ONLINE – Again, you can do this by visiting our web site. Amazon give us a percentage of the sales via our web site, and it costs you nothing.