Category: Serving our Communities

Churches Together in Cornwall & Cornwall Link Collaborate on Mapping Mission

Churches Together in Cornwall is delighted to announce that data from our SAM project, Social Action Mapping for Cornish Churches, is now to be made available on the Cornwall Link community platform run by Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as we enter into a new partnership. Read the press release below and see how you can help develop this campaign:

Press Release

This post will expire on Monday March 1st, 2021 11:59pm

Cornwall Childrens Clothes Bank

Areas in Cornwall have officially some of the highest rates of child poverty in Europe. Our primary aim is to bring communities together to help struggling local families, with the gift of much needed children’s clothes. We will not be operating along traditional charity business models or that of the foodbanks. No money will ever change hands. We aim to operate on goodwill alone. It is time to take back our communities and restore our faith in one another.

Our ethos is simple: it is one of kindness.

  • We are not a charity, but a goodwill organisation.
  • We are a non-political group with no political allegiances.
  • We take the gift of pre-loved children’s clothes and redistribute them to anyone who feels they need our help.
  • We are open to all and do not operate a referral or voucher system. We realise that in tough times, working families also need a hand.
  • We cater for boys and girls from birth to sixteen. As well as everyday clothes, we also carry school uniforms, coats and shoes.
  • What we do as a team, is about more than simply supplying much needed items. It is about building a better society and enabling communities to come together.
  • Kindness is the one thing we can all give!

Unfortunately, all our donation points are currently closed and we are not able to receive any donations of clothes, toys and household items for the time being.

How we work

​We take the gift of pre-loved children’s clothes and redistribute them to anyone who feels they need our help.
We are open to all and do not operate a referral or voucher system. We realise that in tough times, even working families need a hand.
We cater for boys and girls from birth to sixteen. As well as everyday clothes, we also carry school uniforms, winter coats and shoes.
During the Covid-19 crisis we have set up a “Come and Collect” service where families can book an appointment and collect packs of children’s clothes and shoes sorted by size and gender. All the clothes have been quarantined for at least 72 hours.

We are currently running monthly events at All Saints Church, Highertown, Truro. TR1 3LD. Check Facebook for dates.
We have packs of clothes for children from new born to late teens – sorted by size and gender.
We also have some shoes, coats and school uniform. These have all been quarantined for more than 72 hours.

You’ll need to contact us to book an appointment for each monthly event 2 weeks before the event. Either message CCCB Events on Facebook or email cornwallchildrensclothesbank@gmail.com
To save you a wasted journey, please tell us what size clothes you need.
Social distancing and hygiene rules will apply.

Address
All Saints Church, Tresawls Road, Highertown, Truro TR1 3LD
Opening hours
Check Facebook for latest information
URL 1
https://www.facebook.com/CornwallCCB/
URL 2
https://www.asht.org.uk/cornwall-childrens-clothes-bank.html
Social media
  • Facebook
Email
cornwallchildrensclothesbank@gmail.com

This post will expire on Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 11:59pm

Launceston: Pulse Bus Youth Project

For the last 10 years Oriel Ministries has been on mission across Devon and Cornwall to address the needs of our young people, giving them a sense of hope, purpose and self-worth. Continuing with this same mission, we are now launching a state-of-the-art mobile youth centre in the form of The Pulse Bus due to arrive 2021.

So often we meet young people who see the church as irrelevant – most don’t even have a concept of what it means to be a Christian or they will have a distorted view. Our vision for the Pulse Bus is to bridge that gap between young people and the church by partnering with local groups, authorities, churches and Christian organisations, aiming to reach our local young people in a new and fresh way.

In so many communities, due to a lack of funding, it can be hard to establish a permanent youth centre to cater for the needs of our young people meaning that they are often congregating out of boredom, causing disruption to the community and being an inconvenience to the police.

We are delighted that Plymouth City Bus have partnered with us on this project by donating a double-decker bus fresh from their fleet. What an amazing thing to do meaning this project has turned from a vision for the future, into a reality of today! It’s so encouraging to see businesses, churches and many others joining us as we launch this exciting new mission into our community.

Here's your chance to have a look at the wonderful donated double decker that will become the Pulse Bus! The are so many ways to get involved just get in touch to find out how! Hear from Chris as he shows us around the bus getting us excited for the next phase of the project. Let's give it one final push to get it kitted out and completed ready for work with our young people this summer!!

Posted by Pulse Bus on Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Address
Oriel Ministries, Southgate Technology Park, Pennygillam Ind Est, Launceston, PL15 7ED
Phone/Mobile
+441566504030
Email
admin@orielministries.org

This post will expire on Sunday February 14th, 2021 11:59pm

Penzance: Soft Play Area Playzone@Penzance

From what started as an idea back in 2014 on my university work placement, to a pop up shop in town, to a permanent space at St Johns Church, Penzance! Playzone is a fun, safe and affordable soft play area for children 0-11 years.

The Playzone is normally open daily, but is currently closed due to Covid-19 regulations. However the Party Room can be booked for tables of up to six – contact Molly on 07341 830277 for details and check the Facebook page for up-to-date details of the Playzone re-opening.

Address
St. John’s Church, Trewartha Terrace, Penzance, TR18 2HE
URL 1
https://www.facebook.com/SoftPlayAreaPZ/
URL 2
https://www.penleecluster.org.uk/young-people-and-families/playzone/
Social media
Facebook
Contact Name
Molly Louise
Phone/Mobile
+447341830277

This post will expire on Monday February 8th, 2021 11:59pm

Falmouth: Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre Serving Falmouth, Penryn and Surrounding Villages

If you are feeling weighed down by debt, then we can help you.  You may think that your situation is impossible, but there is hope. Our friendly team will give you a listening ear in confidential appointments and provide a practical solution to your debts.

We offer

  • local appointments with a debt coach
  • an effective and realistic budget that prioritises your essential bills. We will negotiate affordable payments with each creditor and attempt to stop unfair interest and charges where possible.
  • a CAP Plan, in most cases, is set up for you and you will need to make one monthly payment into your CAP Plan to cover your debts and also bills if appropriate.  CAP will then distribute this on your behalf.  You can also build up savings through your CAP Plan.

If you are in severe debt CAP can walk you through insolvency options, such as petitioning for bankruptcy and helping you to fill out the forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything?  No, our service is completely free.

Will my creditors cooperate with you?  Yes, we have worked with over 1,000 companies within the finance industry and we are well respected.

Is CAP just for Christians?  No, CAP will help anyone regardless of their religious beliefs.  We are committed to our service being available to all.

Making the first call can be hard but the sooner you ring, the sooner you will begin to have peace of mind.  So call our Freephone number 0800 328 0006 or the local debt coach number below and begin your journey to becoming debt free.

Opening hours
Mondays & Tuesdays 9 am – 5 pm
URL 1
https://capuk.org/i-want-help/our-services/cap-debt-help/introduction
Social media
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Contact Name
Jacqui Bennett
Phone/Mobile
+447376655711
Email
jacquibennett@capuk.org
Who may use the service?
Everyone

Falmouth: Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Kick Start

‘Bite-sized’ video sessions to help you with a range of emotional issues, money matters and job search queries.

Select from the following and let us know how we can help:

  • Anxiety and Worry
  • Handling Loss
  • Handling Habits
  • A Healthy You
  • Lifting Financial Pressure
  • Making Your Money Go Further
  • Discovering Your Strengths
  • Writing a CV
  • Interview Skills
Address
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Western Terrace, Falmouth, TR11 4QJ
URL 1
https://kickstart.capuk.org
Contact Name
Glyn Lumley
Phone/Mobile
+447544858232
Conact Email
glynlumley@capjobclubs.org

Looe: The Haven Youth Project

The Rusty Bucket was established in 2008 to serve the fishing village of Looe, South East Cornwall. We have a special interest in supporting the vulnerable and marginalised adult population – quietly moving people from the streets into accommodation, into work and supporting those battling areas of addiction – all at a local level. The impact of Covid-19 is evident in all aspects of our community. We have been privileged to play a small part in offering crisis funding to those who have been hit hard – paying phone bills, utilities to provision of baby care items and much more.

However, there is one part of our community who do not have a loud voice – Youth. We are presently in the process of establishing a dedicated space within the town offering learning, leisure and mentoring opportunities. Its working title is The Haven.

Joint Press Release Rusty Bucket – Looe Development Trust – Looe Harbour Commissioners 26.02.2020

For some years now the Youth of Looe have been well served by Looe Development Trust’s Millpool Centre based “Looe Youth Project”. In December 2019, their youth leader stood down and urgent efforts made for a timely replacement. During this fallow period an opportunity to explore the possibility of a permanent (dedicated) youth space was undertaken by local community charity, The Rusty Bucket. After much positive dialogue with Looe Harbour Commissioners, an unused first floor unit was identified and will be made available for suitable conversion in the near future.The re-location has the support of Looe Development Trust’s Chair, Justin Spreckley “We have very much enjoyed creating and hosting the Looe Youth Project, but welcome this new future and all the advantages of a dedicated youth premises, we wish the youth and Rusty Bucket every continued success”.

Looe Harbour Commission’s Chief Executive, Tina Hicks, was also pleased to confirm their support for the project, (working title The Haven). “We were very impressed with the commitment of Barney Barron (RB Youth Leader) and Paul Penhaligan (Rusty Bucket Chair) – The Harbour Commissioners are 100% behind their vision for Looe youth and believe it could grow into a genuine town asset.”

Barney Barron, on behalf of the Rusty Bucket, advised “The work now begins. We are presently building a team of volunteers – from painters to youth night assistants – and looking also at everything from wifi to toilets and much more in between!”

If you would like to volunteer in any capacity or would appreciate personalised updates please email thehaven@therustybucket.co.uk or text/phone 07896515334. Regular updates and announcements will be made across the network of Looe Facebook pages.  

STOP PRESS 13.11.2020
Today we received confirmation of a grant from Cornwall Community Foundation equivalent to 571 hours of paid youth leadership during 2021.
We are excited to have been recognised as having a pivital role in the town’s youth work, especially in a post-covid environment.
We are also very grateful for the generosity of the CCF funders.

The Haven (our current working title) has its own Facebook page with regular updates on our progress towards an opening date (Covid-19: Planned opening date postponed till later in the year).

If you would like more information on our forthcoming youth work, feel free to email us

Address
Chy Kemeneth, Shutta, East Looe, PL13 1LS
Opening hours
Planned opening date postponed due to Covid-19
URL 1
https://www.therustybucket.co.uk/youth.htm
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/The-Haven-107531567517969/
Social media
  • Facebook
Phone/Mobile
+447896515334
Email
thehaven@therustybucket.co.uk

Truro Homeless Action Group (THAG)

Truro Homeless Action Group (THAG) consists of volunteers whose sole aim is to provide daily breakfast for those in need. We serve breakfasts 07.30 to 08.30, close at 09.00 and offer take away sandwiches. We provide some meals over Christmas and in winter offer flasks and thermals. We operate from the Church Hall of St John the Evangelist, Strangways Terrace, Truro  TR1 2NY, tel. 07934 950957.

Read our story on: https://trurodiocese.org.uk/faith-stories/serving-breakfast-and-hope-for-the-homeless-of-truro/

Truro Homeless Action Group (THAG) provides a warm welcome, food and shelter and a regular and safe place for the homeless and vulnerably housed to meet. Around 35 volunteers regularly give two hours a week to provide free cooked breakfasts, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day we offer a turkey lunch with all the trimmings.

We are currently raising funds via the Cornish Christmas Giving Catalogue.This year’s donations will go towards helping us provide breakfasts (£1.50/person) and the Christmas Day and Boxing Day lunches (£6/person).As well as food, THAG also provides toiletries, flasks, razors, thermals in winter, along with socks, gloves, hats, scarves and underwear plus, of course sleeping bags and rucksacks. We have even been known to provide a complete change of clothing when needed.

THAG was first formed over 22 years ago after the night shelter in St George’s Road was closed. THAG is now based at the Church Hall of St John the Evangelist in Strangways Terrace, Truro.

Address
Church Hall of St John the Evangelist, Strangways Terrace, Truro, TR1 2NY
Opening hours
07.30 to 08.30, close at 09.00
Phone/Mobile
+447934950957

Falmouth: New Parents Support Group

This group is to help new parents and their babies connect with others who are in the same wonderful but crazy phase of family life!

Happening every Thursday at All Saints Church on Killigrew Street, Falmouth; you are most welcome to pop in once or make it your weekly routine. Come just as you are – fully made-up or with bed-head; full of joy or tired and weary; ready to laugh or ready to cry.

This is space where new parents can come together to tell it like it is, and to support and encourage each other whilst being served tea and coffee. Hopefully you’ll come away with a smile on your face and spring in your step – and perhaps even the phone number of a new friend. It’s free to come (but if you fancy making a small donation to cover refreshments we won’t say no!). You must sign up as spaces are limited and please cancel your ticket if you no longer need it so someone else can come instead.

Masks will need to be worn upon entry and exiting the building as well as when moving around. Masks do not need to be worn when eating and drinking.

*Due to current restrictions we are only able to have 7 families at each session and just 1 parent per session. We can only accommodate children up to 6 months old and so we’re unable to have older siblings at these sessions. Got more than one baby? No problem – you need a ticket per child so sign up for as many tickets as you need.

Sign up at https://newstreetchurch.org/community/new-parents-support-group-sign-ups/

If no tickets are showing that means that sadly we’re full for this week’s session. Spaces become available for pre-booking from 9.30am the Thursday before.

Address
All Saints Church, Killigrew St, Falmouth, TR11 3PN
Opening hours
Thursdays 09:30-10:15am
Disabled access
yes
URL 1
https://newstreetchurch.org/community/new-parents-support-group-sign-ups/
URL 2
https://www.facebook.com/NewStreetFalmouth
Social media
Facebook

Falmouth: Love Falmouth: No Child Without

Love Falmouth is a Christian charity with the vision to enable communities and individuals in Falmouth to thrive. Our mission is to enable people from different socio-demographic groups to become spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically whole. We do this through targeted, specific projects and initiatives and as a result, we believe we will see our community transformed and thriving.

On average, 3 children from every primary school class will be deprived of basics such as warm winter clothing, fresh food and celebrations over the Christmas holidays. These statistics are from a report published in 2018 and the more recent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated the problem. Access to warm winter clothing, fresh food and Christmas celebrations is essential to the health and wellbeing of children and parents alike, and a lack thereof can be detrimental to children’s health, growth and happiness. This is why we are launching the ‘No Child Without’ project. We want to ensure that no child in Falmouth (& the surrounding areas) goes without: a warm winter coat, access to fresh, nutritional food and celebrations this Christmas.

To donate please go to https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/nochildwithout

Registered Charity No. 1047941

Address
The Loft, 1st Floor Office, 46 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3PP
URL 1
https://www.facebook.com/FalmouthLove
URL 2
https://www.lovefalmouth.org.uk/
Social media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Phone/Mobile
+441326617240
Email
lovefalmouth@gmail.com
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