July update
Thank you so much to members who have responded to the MU Urgent Appeal and our branch initiatives.
Last month I was able to deliver four Alba Tablets to Trinity Oaks for the use of families in need of support during home education. Last week I met with a worker from the Reigate & Banstead Refuge Home team and handed over £100 worth of Sainsbury’s voucher plus a couple of children’s toys along with airline complimentary in-flight bags kindly donated. Sophie has asked me to pass on her thanks say ‘Thank you so much for the vouchers, toys and wash bags they are fantastic’ and I have now received a lovely card made by one of the children. Rooms are prepared for the women and the children with new bedding, towels, kitchen ware and toys which the families keep when they leave (after 6 months if all goes well). It may be possible for us to provide some of these goods referred to as ‘transition items’ as long as they are still in packaging. They work with Welcare to support these families and currently have 12 women in refuge and the children are aged between 8 months and 15 years - mixture of boys and girls!!
The Urgent Appeal has now raised ££727,823 so far towards the £1,000,000 target. Sadly however one third of staff at MSH face will be made redundant, hopefully through voluntary applications. Please pray for all staff there.
AFIA in the diocese and centrally is working towards providing special days out for those in need of a break now, two holidays are to be booked when possible. Centrally plans are ongoing to support NHS key workers in 2021.