Autumn/Winter News 2014

News CCS

Autumn/Winter 2014

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New Home!

Designed and printed in house by The Catholic Children’s Society

Artists impression of the new building!

Twenty Eight years ago (1986) Sr Margaret Mary Bannerton DC. opened the CCS St. Francis Family Centre in Flora Close, Tower Hamlets. She did this as she noticed just how many families were asking for social help from the local church. The centre’s building appeared nothing too special; not much space indoors or out, quite old already and in need of frequent repair. It had seen previous use as a Working Men’s Club, hosted Irish dancing and other community activities, but after 28 years of glorious service to the local community the building at Flora Close is no more. It was demolished in May to make room for purpose built flats for the elderly.

However, for the last 12 months building works a few hundred yards away have been gathering pace.

The site of the Holy Family primary school was being transformed, first with temporary classrooms erected, then the demolition of the old school and finally the building of a brand new school newly named Our Lady and St Joseph. With it comes the new home for CCS St Francis Family Centre. Also moving into the new school will be staff and pupils

of Our Lady’s Primary School in Limehouse.

Over the years, St Francis, has successfully positioned itself as a leading provider of community services in the area. As we are part of the Catholic and wider local community, it was decided that we should seek to move to the same site as the school in order to encourage synergies and greater community service provision. One way would be to demonstrate how early years community support and intervention combined with on site school counselling provision for older pupils can improve learning and community cohesion commitments.

Placing St Francis on the site of Our Lady and St Joseph Primary School is a new milestone in our development. CCS, in partnership with the Diocesan Education Service, the school governors and the parish, seeks to enhance and enrich our shared goal which is: “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” St. Irenaeus.

The Centre together with the School will be formally opened by Cardinal Vincent Nichols in March 2015.

CCS News

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CCS Crisis Fund in Action!

Last year we launched the Crisis Fund. The objective of the fund is to provide financial support within 24 hours to children identified as being in a family with immediate needs. The fund does not seek to provide long term help, but rather acts as a preventative measure to stop people falling further into despair and destitution while other mainstream support is put in place. Importantly the fund has no administrative t es rt qu ppo e costs associated R r Su fo with it. 100% of monies donated to it goes directly Som etimes, the fact s to children and are hard to swall ow.... families in need.

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Providing emerg ency assistance for disadvantage d families Registered Chari ty 210920 Designed and printe d in house by The Catholic Children’s Soci

ety

Annie’s Story

Annie’s Head Teacher is one of many who has used the CCS Crisis Fund to help a pupil. Here is Annie’s thank you letter to her Head Teacher...

Deacon Jim Richards MBE

Autumn/Winter 2014

11th October 1941 – 22nd February 2014 The last few months have been a particularly sad time for the CCS family. Our dear friend and former Chief Executive, Deacon James Manson Richards MBE, known to us as Jim, passed to higher service on 22nd February. Our abiding memories are of a family man with an outstanding belief in his faith, commitment to children and families in need and the love he had for his own family and friends.

Rosemary Keenan and Jim Richards

Since qualifying as a Probation Officer and Child Care Officer in 1970, Jim was a passionate advocate of children’s rights, concerned to address child poverty and a campaigner for excellence in adoption and children’s care services. His significant voluntary work included involvement with the British Association for Adoption and Fostering which spanned 16 years, whilst during the 1990s he was a trustee of both the Children’s Legal Centre and the Family Rights Group, a national voluntary organisation that advocates for the welfare of children who are in contact with social services from a family-centred perspective.

He was also the Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Advocacy Service. The ethos of all three organisations reflected Jim’s belief in the principles which underpin the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly that children’s needs are paramount in any decision made about them and that their wishes and feelings should also be taken into account in such decisions.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster) between 1990 and 2009, Jim had changed the focus of our organisation from mainly family placements to a range of innovative community services; including work with Irish Travellers, family centre based work with disadvantaged children and families in areas of high poverty, child and adolescent psychotherapy, counselling and play-therapy services delivered in schools and in non-statutory settings. This is his legacy as our work in these areas continues to grow. With this edition I enclose literature about our Legacy programme. None of us want to think about our own mortality but remembering those less fortunate in your will can lead to one lasting memory - a life changed for the good by your kindness.

Jim was a man of integrity and justice. He not only talked but he also acted with integrity and justice; both within the public domain and the more private sphere of his family and local community. Married to his wife Diane for over forty years, he was a father of three children and a grandfather of four. For those of us who worked with Jim, it was a privilege. His faith was affirming and underpinned all that he did, he will be sorely missed.

Dr Rosemary Keenan CEO Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster)

CCS News

The Trustee, The Chairman, The Old boys of the Crusade of Rescue and D Day!

One of our Trustees; Victoria Nichol, together with her husband Richard, from St Mary’s Church in Hampstead did their bit to take part in the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings of 6th June 1944. They drove one of the Willys Jeeps used in the famous landings back to the Normandy beach on which it landed.

The Willys MB U.S. Army Jeep was manufactured from 1941 to 1945. The small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many other light utility vehicles used in warfare.

Setting out from a rainy Hampstead on 3rd June the journey to Normandy had a particular significance for Victoria, whose father, a Royal Marine, landed on Sword beach. It was the first time that she had been to Normandy to see where her father fought.

A small crowd gathered at St Mary’s Church where our Chair of Trustees Mgr. Phelim Rowland, parish priest and formerly Vicar General of the Army between 2002 and 2006, blessed the Nichols and the jeep before its historic journey across the channel to join with the veterans remembering the events of 70 years ago and their colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice for a free Europe.

Many ‘old boys’ from the Crusade of Rescue took part in military operations during the war, including Brendan McGurk who landed on the Normandy beaches on D-Day. Sadly he was killed within

12 hours of landing. James ‘Jimmy’ Langrell served as a Sergeant Observer (Navigator) with the RAF. In January 1943 following a Lancaster bombing raid over Hamburg Jimmy was reported missing. Several months passed before official confirmation was received advising of his death and his burial some 60 miles from Hamburg itself.

The Korean War followed on quickly from the end of World War II where another Crusade old boy Lionel Essex (pictured above) served with distinction. Injured and captured by the Chinese at the battle of Imjin River, Lionel was tortured but gave no information other than name, rank and serial number. He eventually escaped and was found by a patrol from a Greek Battalion. After months in a Japanese and later English hospital, he recovered to give a speech introducing the King on Christmas day 1951.

We salute all those who served.

‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.’

Much of the research for the above piece was conducted by one of our Crusade of Rescue Old Boys; Norman Taylor who was formerly also resident at Blaisdon Hall. We were saddened to learn that Norman departed this life for higher service on 18th June 2014.

Autumn/Winter 2014

Wartime Memories

St. Joseph’s was a quiet backwater. Very little of what was going on in the world filtered through to the boys. There was limited access to the radio and programmes that we were permitted to listen to were carefully selected. What we had been told in the months leading up to the declaration of war with Germany was that the German air force would unleash terror raids on London and the other major cities in Britain and this would cause thousands of casualties. We had several rehearsals of what we were to do when the air raid siren sounded and we learned to march quickly to our allotted place in the cellar. We received our gas masks and were taught how to use them if we had a gas attack.

The air raid siren sounded almost immediately after the declaration of war on that sunny Sunday morning in September 1939 and 150 terrified boys and staff, quickly made their way to the cellar expecting instant annihilation. It was a false alarm and we emerged into the playground thankful that we had survived what we believed was the first German air raid.

In September 1939 time was set at double British summer time and darkness did not descend until 9 o’clock in September. On 6th September we had gone to bed at our usual time of seven o’clock and because of the daylight we were unable to sleep.

The boys became restless and as with all young boys it wasn’t long before, noticing that the duty Sister was no where to be seen, they began to make their way to the fire escape to admire the view across London. There had been some limited German air activity during the afternoon and the sound of the sirens had sent us running to the cellar for shelter. Once again although we heard gunfire and the droning of German aircraft overhead they quickly passed us by.

The boys who had made their way to the fire escape soon came running back to the dormitory. “Come quickly” they cried, “it looks as if there is a big fire somewhere in London.” I was among the group of boys who made their way to the fire escape to see what the cause of all the excitement was. When I reached the fire escape platform, I could not believe what I was seeing. The sky was a bright crimson colour. Smoke was rising high into the sky. London appeared to be burning from end to end. Bursting anti aircraft shells could be seen exploding in the air, the gunners attempting to drive away the attacking bombers. We stood there in awe of what we were witnessing. We were brought back to our senses by the sound of approaching aircraft. The local anti aircraft guns stationed nearby opened up to intercept the intruders. We could not move we were so fascinated by what we were seeing. Suddenly we heard one of the Sisters telling us to come inside and make our way to the cellar before we were killed.

It is now sixty eight years since that glorious summer and autumn of 1940. The sun really did shine every day of that summer and autumn. It was the clear skies that enabled the boys of St. Joseph’s to enjoy witnessing history in the making. We survived one the most dangerous times in the history of this country. Looking back it would seem that very little attention was paid by outside agencies to ensure that we were in safe keeping.

Enfield was attacked on several occasions. Over 250 of its citizens lost their lives and hundreds more were casualties.

Norman Tayor

CCS News

How our runners finished....

RA l Hill e b a s I Sr. hrs d 4:07 Finishe

Neal Smith

:49 hrs Finished 3

Sam Sanger

Finished 4:06 hr s

Fr. Ivàn Pichel OSA Finished 4:31 hr s

Running with Mo In April just over 30,000 excited runners lined up for the start of the London Marathon. Among them were four people running to raise funds and awareness of our work. However, this year the expectation was higher than ever as this was going to be a real race – a race against the legendary World and Olympic Champion Mo Farah!

Speaking before the race, former World record holder, Hialie Gebrselassie was quoted as saying ‘I’ve never seen such big names in one race, both men and women,’ – was he talking about our runners? He went on ‘According to what I’ve heard about Mo’s preparations they are facing a big challenge from him!’

Mo finished the race in a time of 2 hours 4 minutes and 29 seconds – sadly our hopes of victory for a CCS athlete were some way off the mark with our quickest runner finishing in 3 hours 49 minutes - there’s always next year!!

Grateful thanks to our four runners Neal Smith, Sam Sanger, Sr. Isabel Hill and Fr. Ivàn Pichel

who raised £8,000 to support our work!

Places to run in the Marathon are like Gold Dust We have 8 guaranteed places next year.

If you would like to run or know someone who would, please contact Megan Barzaq meganb@cathchild.org.uk for more information.

Autumn/Winter 2014

The Americans are coming throughout the United States and abroad.

The London service learning trip was the 15th year we provided this life-changing week, where students gain knowledge and first-hand experience of innovative service delivery and social justice issues in other communities.’ We gave a warm welcome to our special friends as they listened to a presentation about our work delivering therapeutic services in schools such as drama and play therapies, visited our Stay & Play facility in North Kensington and learned about the issues of economic, relational and spiritual poverty that we seek to address.

In May we were privileged to host 16 students and 2 tutors from Tulsa Community College (TCC), Oklahoma, USA. Speaking about the college the trip facilitator Dr Diane Potts said: ‘TCC is Oklahoma’s largest community college.

Our Human Services program has over 300 majors with more than 80% of these planning to complete an advanced degree in social work or other helping professions. These include working with children and families, alcohol and drug addiction, corrections, gerontology, developmental disabilities, non-profit management, homelessness and other at-risk populations.

Under the leadership of Dr. Sharolyn Wallace, students have the opportunity to experience delivery of human services in diverse settings

After a long day of work a trip to the always interesting Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill let the students relax for a while before we joined them for some good old fashioned London hospitality in the local!

CCS News

Pupils at the Good Shepherd Mass with candles made by the Carmelite Nuns at the monastry of the Holy Trinity in North Kensington.

Stars of Hope - Good Shepherd Mass In June a record breaking 3,500 children made the pilgrimage from schools across the diocese to Westminster Cathedral to celebrate their annual Good Shepherd Mass.

During Lent CCS had worked with schools to promote the ‘Star of Hope’ campaign designed to raise awareness of the need to help children and families who live with all types of poverty every day. The program supports teachers in their ongoing work and helps to increase children’s understanding of Catholic Social Teaching.

The children had prepared all sorts of ‘stars’ which were displayed on large banners throughout the Cathedral.

For many children it is the first time they will have visited such a large and important church. Seeing the awe on their faces as they peer into the vaulted ceilings or explore the side chapels with their teachers is always such a refreshing sight.

Another first was our live Twitter feed of the event which generated a huge amount of interest online.

Bishop John Arnold and Bishop John Sherrington who celebrated the Masses, encouraged the children to bring hope into the lives of others through their words and actions.

The Good Shepherd Mass and our Lenten reflections, written by Cardinal Nichols are a great way to help pass on our faith to a younger generation.

Autumn/Winter 2014

Who is your neighbour?

Good Samaritan Mass For the first time a special Mass organised by CCS and led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols was held in Westminster Cathedral for secondary school pupils.

During 2014 we have been exploring ways of working more closely with our secondary schools.

You will have read earlier about how our Crisis Fund (accessed by schools) is helping to support those most in need.

The Good Samaritan and what that should teach them about their actions towards their peers and others.

Just over 700 students heard Cardinal Nichols launch what will now be an annual event. Next year we hope more secondary schools will get involved with this life changing project.

The fund is supported by generous individual donors, however it also seemed appropriate that we should ask older pupils to get involved in helping to raise money for this fund and then celebrate their work at this Mass.

Pupils have been busy asking themselves ‘Who is My Neighbour?’ Thinking about the parable of

Choir from Maria Fidelis school Euston.

700,000 children in the Diocese of Westminster live in poverty!

The Catholic Children’s Society needs you to be a Good Samaritan

CCS News

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Christmas Cards- on sale now!

Our range of fabulous Christmas cards is now on sale and cards cost less than last year! A brochure is included with this edition of CCS News on which you can order cards for yourself or encourage friends and family to do likewise. If you prefer to order on line please visit www.cathchild.org.uk and follow the link to our shop.

Second New Web Site in a Year!

Following the successful launch of the new CCS website in October 2013, March 2014 saw us completely update our other web site through which schools can access our counselling/therapy support and mental health awareness training services. www.ccsconnected.org.uk The site has a fresh modern look and we have seen a noticeable increase in the number of schools accessing the site and seeking to engage our cutting edge service provision.

Unlike most other providers CCS prides itself in using only fully qualified therapists to deliver intervention services. This gives us a competitive edge and ensures we consistently deliver a very high quality service. If you work in a school or know someone who does please visit the site or make others aware of the services we provide.

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CCS Deanery News

Did you get your copy of CCS Deanery News in April? This new bi-annual publication is produced in house at very little cost to CCS and is designed to make more people aware of the important work we undertake. Each publication is bespoke as it relates specifically to work we have undertaken in each Deanery community. At times it can be difficult to imagine how an organisation based in North Kensington can possibly be delivering activities across the whole Diocese! – well you would be surprised at just how far our services reach and how diverse they are.

To see the lastest edition on line visit www.cathchild.org.uk or look out for the hard copies in your Parish next month.

Autumn/Winter 2014

Upcoming...

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Annual Review

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Crib Appeal

Our 2013/14 Annual Review will be formally released on 3rd November 2014. You can view or download a hard copy version from our web site from that date or watch our Annual Review video to hear from some of the people we have worked with during the year. www.cathchild.org.uk

Please look out for our Christmas Crib Appeal in your Parish. We have no diocesan retiring collection during the year so rely heavily on the Crib Appeal to fund our work in schools and with disadvantaged children & families. Despite the improving economic situation, we are still seeing more people than ever looking for our help, with ‘in work’ poverty now becoming a particularly hard issue to assist with.

As Pope Francis has reminded us, we all have a Christian duty to ‘hear and act upon the cry of the poor.’ Please hear their plea and support us generously this year.

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Carol Services

Our annual Carol Services at Westminster Cathedral are packed events. We usually have well over 3,000 well behaved school children, teachers and members of the general public turn up throughout the day. Steel bands, festive music, a live donkey and sheep all add to the atmosphere! Improving young people’s spiritual growth and understanding of Catholic Social Teaching is an important aspect of our work and one of our charitable objectives. This event is just one of the ways we look to deliver this work. Why not join us and Cardinal Vincent Nichols this year at Westminster Cathedral on 3rd December 2014 11am & 2pm.

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Benefactors Mass This year our annual Benefactors Mass will have even more poignancy for us as our former Chief Executive Deacon Jim Richards MBE sadly passed away. Jim is one among other equally important supporters who have passed away during the last year and we will remember them and those who have gone before.

Mass this year will be held at St Etheldredas Church in Holborn at 2pm on Sunday 30th November.

Following Mass those attending are welcome to join us in the Crypt to meet old friends, partake of refreshments and hear about the latest work of the Society.

We do hope you can join us. Places are limited so please contact Megan Barzaq on meganb@cathchild.org.uk or call 020 8969 5305 to reserve a place. Thank you.

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Please return your donation in the envelope provided to: The Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster), St Charles Square, London. W10 6EJ. Alternatively, please call us on 020 8969 5305 to make your donation or log on to www.cathchild.org.uk