Caritas | Diocese of Shrewsbury
Children | Families | Community | in Wirral
We have launched our annual Lent appeal to the schools of the Diocese.
Please visit our Home page/ Get Involved / Good Shepherd Collection for some fundraising ideas.
The money raised will help support children and families in need within the Diocese.
With your help we can make a difference.
A Big thank to All Churches Trust for supporting our Refugee Well Project.
The Well Project will provide a range of information, advice support services and activities to Afghan refugees housed in a hotel near Manchester Airport. The support and resources will help them get back on their feet as they look to integrate into the wider community.
Together we make a difference.
Thank you
We want to send such a big thank you to all the children and adults in parishes and schools across the diocese for their incredibly generous response to the Caritas at Christmas appeal.
Your donations of gifts, food and funding will make a big difference to so many people who are struggling at this challenging time. It’s so inspiring to see your love in action living out Catholic Social Teaching.
Please stay in touch so that together we can support those in the most vulnerable situations all through the year.
God bless you!
Please click poster to enlarge
With the launch of our Caritas at Christmas Campaign this year, we are reminded of all the people and organisations who have supported us in the past. If you can, please donate to our campaign this year by scanning to QR Code…The smallest contribution can make a big difference.
We recently received £843.50 donation from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Upton, Wirral, for the Good Shepherd Appeal. This amazing amount was raised by the children taking part in a number of activities including; Easter egg raffle to win hampers of eggs the staff had brought in, a come to school in your own clothes day for a donation (this is always a winner) to name but a few of the activities they could participate in.
We’ve received £719.80 donation from St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Weaverham Cheshire, for the Good Shepherd Appeal. This fantastic amount was raised by the children taking part in a number of activities including; Easter egg raffle, Chingo, Guess the name of the Easter Bunnies and also guess the number of sweets in the jar to name but a few of the activities they could participate in.
We also recently received £519.00 donation from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School. This wonderful amount was raised by the children taking part in a number of activities including; Purple Wednesday were students were asked to wear an item of purple clothing, signifying the pain and suffering of the crucifixion and secondly the colour purple is associated with royalty and celebrates Christ’s resurrection and sovereignty, pancake flip challenge, photo competition ‘Lent through a Lens’ to name but a few of the activities they could participate in.
This money will be put to good use, helping those less fortunate in our community. Once again a BIG thank you to the children, staff and parents for their support.
These are the final words of a powerful presentation given by the SENsitive Group to candidates standing for Greater Manchester Mayor, demanding better support for children with special educational needs (SEN). This was part of a broader Assembly organised by Greater Manchester Citizen’s, a coalition of faith and community organisations across Greater Manchester. Almost 550 people Zoomed in on the night, over 100 from Caritas Shrewsbury.
Carla, a mother of 6 and member of the SENsitive Group that Caritas support, spoke about her 4-year battle to have her youngest son, who is nonverbal, diagnosed. The process made her question her own instincts as a mother and she asked “can you imagine looking into the eyes of your child and not knowing whether he crying because he is hungry or hurting?” Even though her son has now been diagnosed with autism, she is still trying to secure the support he desperately needs.
Shannon another member of the group, who has 2 autistic children, spoke about the impact the pandemic has had. The family lived in a first floor flat with no garden but had to self-isolate and Shannon questioned why families with SEN children are not prioritised within housing allocation.
The candidates heard the story of Leah, a 22-year old woman living in homeless accommodation, whose story shows what happens when the needs of the child are not addressed. Leah is still waiting for her diagnosis but has spent her whole life hiding away, due to severe social anxiety, where even going to the shops is virtually impossible. While many people flagged up concerns about Leah during her painful school days, no one acted. This is why Leah feels looking back on her life, “that nobody cares because nobody listens.”
Sharon, a member of the new Caritas Young Voices group, brought the candidates attention to a parliamentary report, which highlighted that 4 in 5 children, over 1 million nationwide, will not secure the support their needs merit. This will impact future wellbeing, education and life chances.
The SENsitive Group invited election candidates to work with them to:
Candidates, all visibly moved by the stories, responded positively. The key task for the SENsitive group is to hold the winning candidate accountably after the election for promises made on the night. If you would like more information, or are interested in supporting this work, please email: gerry.flanagan@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk
Newly built nest boxes, bug boxes for children to paint and colour, wild flower seeds to plant, bird feeders and nature identity charts – a package of goodies to help families and individuals connect with nature in their own gardens and balconies! This is to help get spring off to a flying start!
The Caritas Home Spring Nature Project will provide enjoyment and activities for children with SEND who are part of the SENsitive Group, as well as developing mindfulness for men involved in the Mend Minds Group.
On hearing about the project, 6 primary schools in Wythenshawe are now interested in becoming involved! Thank you to Buzz, Manchester Health and Wellbeing Service for funding this project. Despite the rumours, spring is still coming!
Schools and councils can use the below website to request free mobile data increases for families who don’t have broadband at home and can’t afford extra data for devices. Three, Smarty, Virgin Mobile, EE, Tesco Mobile & Sky Mobile are all taking part in the scheme.
https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/about-increasing-mobile-data
Thank you to all our supporters and https://www.cheadle-jun.stockport.sch.uk/ for their generous donations towards our Caritas at Christmas appeal. This support means we have been able to provide Christmas Hampers, toys and gifts to the people in need within the Diocese. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
All Hallows students donated £1,600 to buy toys to be donated to families across our Diocese through Caritas. A Big thank you also to Sainsbury’s supermarket who made a donation of £100!
