Caritas | Diocese of Shrewsbury

Children | Families | Community | in Wirral

Congratulations to The Hope Project volunteers

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Congratulations to The Hope Project volunteers whose efforts have received royal recognition. HM Lord-lieutenant of Greater Manchester wrote to the project to praise the foodbank volunteers, writing that ‘you remind people when they are at their lowest ebb that somebody does care.’

The letter went on to say; ‘It is right that we all thank and celebrate the work of the NHS and care workers but when this dreadful pandemic is over you too will be counted amongst the heroes.’ In his letter he quoted from Her Majesty The Queen address to the nation at the beginning of the pandemic. “I hope in years to come everyone will take pride in how they responded to the challenge.”

Lord-lieutenant adding ‘You certainly will be able to look back with pride!’ Going on to ‘thank each and everyone of you for the amazing and outstanding work you have done since the inception of the food bank and continuing through this dreadful Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you for what you do

This is well deserved with over 40 volunteers being involved in The Hope Project since it began in March.  Last week the foodbank delivered 1,147 meals to 123 people (3 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner to 57 adults and 66 children

Mental Health Awareness Week

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Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and the pictures show the wild flower meadow flourishing at St Aidan’s Centre.

The Mend Minds Group helped develop the area 2 years ago but unfortunately many of the men can’t enjoy the fruits of their labours due to social isolation.

All is not lost however, as we helped finish off the building of nest boxes the men had been making before lock down. As you can see a Blue Tit is now using the nesting box to rear their family.

In many imaginative ways, Caritas is maintaining connections with people during these challenging times. 

Wythenshawe MP visits The Hope Project

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Mike Kane the MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East visited The Hope Project Food Bank based at St Aidan’s Centre, Wythenshawe. 

Along with the senior caseworker Emma Taylor, they dropped off donations for the Food Bank and praised the impact the project was having on local people across Wythenshawe. 

Mike said ‘it is great what is happening here and how the community has pulled together at difficult time.’ Last week the Food Bank supplied 273 days of food to 91 people, 47 adults and 44 children. 

Local Families Support Each Other

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The Hope Project based at St Aidan’s Centre is a partnership between Caritas and local Catholic parishes in Wythenshawe.

Its aim is to address social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak. One aspect of this was to reorganise the food bank so it could continue and respond to the needs of local people and address social distancing.

So the foodbank has been moved into the main hall,  a new email referral system is in place and all food parcels are delivered. Since the project began in March the foodbank has supported 24 individuals and 71 families.

A total of 143 adults and 149 children. Many of the people we are supporting have been impacted by the Corvid 19.

Self isolation,  a sudden loss of income and poor health, are 3 of key issues which have impacted upon families and individuals.  Many of those who are referred to the foodbank  receive weekly 3 day food parcels.

Alongside this, thanks to a developing partnership with Cracking Good food we also distribute 40 nourishing meals, which just need heating, each week.  So alongside the 3 day food parcel, which includes enough for breakfast, lunch and dinner – the project provided 3,136 meals in May!

VE Day’s 75th anniversary – Friday 8th May 2020

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VE Day will have its 75th anniversary on Friday 8th May 2020 (Bank Holiday). The ‘Stay at Home Street Party’ is encouraging people to decorate their houses in red, white and blue and have a picnic in their front garden to celebrate. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines at all times.

This event is being supported by our a member of our local team in Wirral, Lynette Skipsey.

Caritas Working Arragements Statement

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In line with current guidance, we are working virtually and trying our best to continue offering support to our service users. We are happy to connect via Zoom, WhatsApp, phone conversation and text message, with adaptable times available, as we appreciate it is difficult to access our service during the daytime when you are home educating children.

Please, remember, stay home, stay safe and follow guidance given

We are here if you need us and remember, we are in this together. This too will pass.

Contact us on 0151 652 1881 or email info@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk.

St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Seacombe

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Over the last few weeks a group of local people have been meeting to discuss how to secure investment for the Parish Centre.

The aim is to keep the facilities that people are keen on now but also introduce new space and facilities for community groups and services.

This is a very simple survey to get your views – there are just two questions!

We would be very grateful if you would take a minute to complete it… please just click here to be directed to the survey.

Many thanks!

Community Sponsorship Announcement – Correspondence from the Home Office

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As you may have already seen, the Home Secretary has confirmed the UK’s plans for resettlement set to commence in 2020.

The announcement marks the UK’s continued commitment to resettling refugees in need of protection, and our commitment to enable community sponsors to continue welcoming and supporting refugees. A significant development of the announcement is that refugees resettled through Community Sponsorship will be in addition to the Government’s resettlement commitment.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-global-resettlement-scheme-for-the-most-vulnerable-refugees-announced

From 2020, the new resettlement scheme will consolidate the Vulnerable Persons’ Resettlement Scheme, the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme and the Gateway Protection Programme into one global scheme.

The new programme will be simpler to operate and provide greater consistency in the way that the UK Government resettles refugees. It will broaden the geographical focus beyond the Middle East and North Africa, allowing for greater flexibility in how the UK responds to humanitarian crises.

Following the announcement, the Home Office will be reaching out to sponsor groups and stakeholders on how the new developments within Community Sponsorship will be implemented and delivered.

We recognise the positive difference community sponsorship has made to the lives of refugees resettled in the UK, and to the communities that have welcomed them. On 17th June, the Home Secretary met with faith leaders on resettlement, asylum, and faith-based persecution, and the Immigration Minister also met with resettled refugees in Lambeth and those who support their integration into communities. We take pride in the positive and collaborative relationship that we have with community sponsors and appreciate the valuable input that your groups have had in supporting its development. It is only made possible by the dedication, hard work and compassion of community sponsor groups across the UK and we thank you for this.

ABOUT US

Caritas is the new social action and social justice agency of the Diocese of Shrewsbury which seeks to develop the Church’s social mission in the years ahead.

Get in Touch

Head Office
Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 7ED
info@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk | 0151 652 1281

Manchester Office
St Aidan’s Centre, 230a Wythenshawe Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M23 0PH
info@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk | 0161 998 8802