SALVATIONIST
FESTIVITIES AND FRIENDSHIP
OVERCOMING LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
Home alone
MAKING the top five of most family films to watch at Christmas, Home Alone tells the story of a young boy accidentally left at home by his family amid the chaos and excitement of preparing for a holiday abroad. What ensues is a tale of a child’s exuberant over-indulgence in response to perceived freedoms, the heroic defence of a family home from potential intruders and the realisation that belonging to a family is all about perspective and has more positives than negatives – especially at Christmas.
Of course, this is just a story, told in such a way as to be engaging and amusing. But it also gives a nod to the stark reality that, for some, Christmas in particular can be a challenging time of reflection, loneliness and isolation.
In this week’s issue, continuing our Advent theme of Everlasting Light, we consider how The Salvation Army seeks to engage with those who may be particularly vulnerable to loneliness and isolation – not just at Christmas – acknowledging the light and hope that being with others can bring. Loneliness and isolation are not confined to older people. There are many different reasons for people to feel excluded. No one should be alone. Relationships are how God intended us to interact. Who is waiting to speak to you?
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN
Editor
Issue No 1990
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday, Oyindamola Olagunju
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890
salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
To subscribe, speak to your corps leader or visit sps-shop.com
ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
FOUNDERS William and Catherine Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101
Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
Close your eyes and leap
With Wicked out now in cinemas, Naomi Hill encourages us to seek justice and reconciliation where God has placed us
THE well-loved musical Wicked has hit the big screen as a film, split into two parts. The story sees Elphaba, with all her quirks and green skin, somewhat misunderstood, yet she forges an unlikely friendship with a polar opposite and extravagant character named Glinda. As they journey together, they both realise their lives are taking very different paths, yet they come to accept one another as they are. The musical takes us on this powerful journey and towards Elphaba accepting herself and declaring to the world who she is.
Reflect and respond
Listen to the song ‘For Good’ and reflect on the lines ‘I know who I am today because I knew you’ and ‘because I knew you I have been changed for good’. Can you say that of your relationship with God? Can you say that of your relationship with other people?
Read Micah 6:8. What does God require of you in the place he has placed you?
Pray for trust and a sense of God’s purpose in the unexpected events of life.
A major part of the musical – and now the film – is the soundtrack that so beautifully takes us on this powerful journey. One key moment when we musically see a clear shift towards reconciliation between the two women is in an intimate duet: after the striking and somewhat argumentative introduction of ‘Defying Gravity’, we enter into Elphaba’s climax of the song. ‘It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap,’ she sings.
Amid the genius music composition and the hype of a new film, there is a strong message of justice and, importantly, of reconciliation too.
Through the acceptance and love shown in the unlikeliest places, we see two characters reconcile in a powerful and unexpected way.
Glinda would never have paired herself to be friends with Elphaba, yet there is a purpose in the uniting of these characters – for themselves and for others around them too. ‘I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason,’ sings Glinda in the song ‘For Good’, which will appear in Wicked: Part Two, set to be released in November 2025.
Might we then be drawn to consider how the places where we are placed matter, how the unusual, unexpected patterns of our lives are not random? The people we interact with, the things we a re passionate about, are not by chance, not meaningless, but rather a
part of God’s wider plan for his justice in the world.
There is nothing unintentional about God and the way he works. God shapes us and seeks justice through the seeming randomness of life, so let’s be raring and ready: ready to have eyes of justice and hearts of acceptance as we serve and journey with one another.
Just like the characters in Wicked, our perceptions sometimes need a shift. In Christ, we can confidently close our eyes and leap, knowing that nothing is by chance, and that we can let the God of great purpose and justice take the lead.
God will use the events of your everyday life to fulfil his covenantal purpose and justice in your life and in our world. Along the way, he will shape us as we walk with him in faith. Will you place the God of justice at the centre of it all, and allow justice and reconciliation to flow and reveal the love and character of God? Just close your eyes and take the leap…
• Thanks to Bethany and Tilly for contributing ideas to this article. Naomi, Bethany and Tilly are all members of the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum. Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/youthforum
Picture:
NAOMI HILL Castleford
Sarah Lee Bristol Citadel seconds with...
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Sarah and I’m the Drawing Closer leader at the corps.
Why do you do what you do?
I really care about our group. It spans all ages and is open to anyone. We pray together and laugh together as well.
What’s your favourite hymn or worship song?
‘10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)’.
What are you praying for?
As the prayer warrior for the corps, I tend to start with the cradle roll and work my way up.
How did you first get involved in the Army?
I grew up in it – fourth generation. I left, but came back 12 years ago and love it more than ever.
Which emoji sums you up best? Is there a slightly baffled one?
Give your testimony in one word. Love.
Alan and Tracey Bell (Grimsby) share how they reconnected with The Salvation Army and God ‘We felt welcome’
WHEN we moved here a couple of years ago, we became neighbours with Gladys, a 95-year-old lifelong Salvationist. We offered her a lift to The Salvation Army one day and she invited us in.
When you come into the building, you come into the Cup of Joy café. It’s a great space and made us feel comfortable and Majors Alison and Kenny Gardner made us feel welcome. It can be quite daunting to walk into a church, but the café is a good gateway to coming into that environment. Without the café we wouldn’t have taken that step. We now regularly attend Sunday worship and have recently been welcomed as adherents. It’s been a great boon in our life really. It’s given us new friendships and led us back to church.
Alan
God was lost to me for quite some time. I had grown up going to church, but through difficulties in my life I turned away from the Lord. I’m coming back to it now and reconnecting, thanks to coming through these doors. I’ve been to a thousand churches looking for God and not found him, but I came here and felt this was the one.
The way Majors Alison and Kenny run the meetings is uplifting and upbeat and they have a lovely way of putting the word forward. I get the feeling that, halfway through a meeting, I could put my hand up and say: ‘I don’t quite understand that, can you explain?’ At my previous church that would have been unthinkable.
Tracey
I lost my faith big style. I really didn’t like God. I couldn’t handle anything he’d throw my way. I’d think, ‘Why are you doing this? I’m a good person and I’m a good wife and mother, why are you being so horrid?’ I spoke to Gladys about it and now, being at The Salvation Army has allowed me to revisit my faith. It’s different here, it feels homely and there’s no judgement. We come to Cup of Joy on Tuesday for lunch and I’ve joined the timbrel group. I really enjoy it. Our 10-yearold son has also come to worship and wants to be a junior soldier. It’s all thanks to Gladys. I’m not sure we would have found another way here!
Have you got a testimony to share? Get in
Joyful music
Gavin Straw (Thornton Heath) reviews A Celebration of Joy on wobplay
JOY Webb was a unique figure in Salvation Army music and this concert at Regent Hall was a unique evening. I knew Joy for more than 20 years and she became a wonderful friend to me and my family.
The International Staff Band opened the programme with ‘On Parade’, the great swing medley of Joy’s songs ‘I Want to Sing It’ and ‘Follow’. Commissioner Keith Banks was the host and spoke of Joy’s great skill as a Christian communicator, especially how her music can speak to people well beyond the Church.
The International Staff Songsters sang the uplifting ‘Songs of Joy’, which contains Joy’s arrangements for the Sunbury Junior Singers, including ‘Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’. They followed this with the quietly beautiful spiritual, ‘Angels Watching Over Me’.
Founding Joystrings members LieutColonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel joined Commissioner Keith on the platform to talk about the formation of the 1960s group.
Lieut-Colonel Sylvia pointed out that Joy never wanted praise to come to her for her creative gifts but wanted all the glory to go to God. Then she observed: ‘But I think the very fact that we have come together as an audience, and this wonderful concert has been produced for us, means that each one of us is here because we want to say Joy ... thank you for the music.’
Susan Turner sang a moving solo of Joy’s deeply personal ‘Share My Yoke’. Music Editorial Manager Andrew
Blyth (THQ) spoke about Joy’s songwriting, describing the way she could combine melody and lyrics in a powerful way.
Joy’s music for young people was unsurpassed for its bright and infectious style. The Territorial Youth Choir sang the Christmas favourite ‘Noel’ and ‘Light Up the Sunshine’. The first half ended with a powerful rendition by the ISB of ‘Shine As the Light’ by Peter Graham, which contains Joy’s beautiful ‘The Candle of the Lord’.
The second half opened with a video clip of Joy being interviewed about her music. Next came a dramatic performance of Joy’s visionary song ‘There Will Be God’, sung by actor Martin Posnett and the ISS.
Keith Turton gave a personal tribute to Joy. He worked with her on drama productions at the Marylebone Christian Arts Centre and travelled the world with her doing youth work. He ended with the thought that we are all better people for having known Joy.
The youth choir returned to sing Joy’s heartfelt song, ‘It Is Jesus’, with beautiful harmonies and sincere feeling.
I had a wonderful surprise as the next song was ‘New World’. Joy sang this to me and said she wrote it as a sister piece to ‘There Will Be God’. It paints a picture of a world of suffering, but then evokes a powerful vision of a better world that a return to faith could bring about: ‘I can see a world where God belongs again,/ And the hearts of men are true.’
Major Peter Hawkins from the Joy Folk – the group that followed the Joystrings – then gave a moving tribute
about Joy’s huge impact on his life and ministry.
The ISS returned with soloist Ann Stewart to sing ‘The Candle of the Lord’. People took in the song’s message in silence before applauding: the ultimate tribute.
The evening ended with everyone being invited to sing a medley of Joy’s songs arranged by Paul Sharman with accompaniment by the ISB – a wonderful finale, the highlight being Joy’s magical Christmas song, ‘A Starry Night’.
This uplifting and memorable evening was a reminder that Joy’s soulful words and melodies will live on.
• A Celebration of Joy is available to stream at wobplay.com
Also available
A new collection of Joy’s Christmas songs for choirs was published to coincide with the concert, titled A Starry Night: Christmas Songs by Joy Webb. It includes 18 songs for both adult and children’s choirs. Find out more at sps-shop.com/102191.
Joy’s memoir Bridge of Songs, in which she tells the inspirational story of her life and songwriting, has also been republished. Originally published in 2000, this updated version includes a testimonial afterword. Find out more at sps-shop.com/70918
A light dawnedhas
Major David Alton reminds us that God’s message brings hope
ISAIAH 9:2–7
AS days become darker and colder, the heating is turned up and we put ‘the big light’ on because lesser lamps just aren’t enough. Immediately, the room is illuminated and we see more clearly. Our study passage illuminates the darkness, encouraging us to look to the dawning light of hope that is a central theme of Advent.
The book of Isaiah focuses on the holiness of God and his saving power. It includes warnings of judgement and promises of hope. Prophecies concerning the coming Messiah point to a light that’s dawning.
God’s people were ‘walking in darkness’ and living under the ‘shadow of death’ (v2 Berean Standard Bible). Hope was definitely in short supply. People of the northern kingdom of Israel had been taken into captivity and wicked King Ahaz ruled the kingdom of Judah. The Assyrians were throwing their weight around and the Babylonians were waiting to strike. International politics, national concerns, tax, exile, uncertainty and unease, it sounds very familiar. Yet through Isaiah’s prophecy God gives his people new hope.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How are ‘walking in darkness’ and ‘the shadow of death’ manifested in today’s world?
Consider occasions when you received light and hope from God. How did Christ bring his light to bear?
The radical hope of this passage is obscured by the cosy familiarity of verse 6. God, through Isaiah, makes a proclamation in direct contradiction to the current experiences of his people – light while it’s dark, joy in the face of sorrow and peace when conflict is all around. How can this be?
When light is shone through a prism, it’s dispersed, showing the rainbow colours of the visible spectrum. The beauty and complexity of light is revealed. So, it is with Isaiah’s prophecy of dawning light that will change the nation’s perspective and increase their joy.
Isaiah encourages the people to see the joy they will experience through a prism (see v3). This joy is going to be like that of the harvest celebration, like that of treasures discovered and shared, like the deeply cherished joy remembered in the history of God’s people. Hence, Isaiah points to Gideon’s defeat of the Midianites (see Judges 6 to 8).
Isaiah elaborates further with images of what the light will bring for those who are oppressed, hurting, hopeless and fearful. For ‘the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor’ (v4) have all been shattered and conflict will cease (see v5). Not only does Isaiah reference the current situation in which the people find themselves, but his nuanced words also resonate with memories of slavery in Egypt.
But how is this light-bringing joy going to be delivered? Well, as a baby! In Isaiah’s time, some people thought that this announcement applied solely to a birth in the royal household. However, God’s timescale was much
greater. Our study passage – along with Isaiah 7:14 – is a type of Old Testament prophecy that appears to have a dual fulfilment. It points not only to something that will take place in the near future, but also to something even greater in the distant future. Isaiah was referencing events that would take place 700 years later.
When sung in Handel’s ‘Messiah’, verse 6 of our study passage feels like merely a prelude to the majestic description of the Messiah’s titles and yet this birth announcement says something of the humanity, deity and sovereignty of Christ. The child ‘born to us’ (v6 Common English Bible) of Bethlehem, the Nativity and the Incarnation. He comes in vulnerability as a baby, dwelling ‘among us’ (John 1:14) as one who is truly and properly man. The son given to us speaks of Christ’s divinity, the second person of the Trinity, the pre-existent Son of God who leaves glory and is given to us (see John 3:16). This givenness is also seen in Christ’s giving of himself in his teaching and ministry and in his relinquishing of himself on the cross for our salvation (see Philippians 2:7 and 8). The shouldering of government speaks of his eternal rule and reign over his Kingdom.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Alongside thoughts of the eternal reign of Christ, consider the loving rule and reign of Christ over your life just now.
What areas of your life do you need to open to the illuminating light of Christ?
Isaiah gave meaningful names to his sons (see Isaiah 7:3 and 8:1–3). However, he surpasses himself in verse 6 of our study passage with: ‘And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Unlike Matthew 1:21–23 and Luke 1:31, Isaiah is not naming the Messiah but describing aspects of his nature and mission. Through the child, light dawns for those needing guidance, for the weak, for those who feel alone and for those in search of peace and wellbeing.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Which title or aspect of Christ’s character resonates with you at this moment? Why?
Reflect on each title during Advent. Ask for a new insight into what they each mean for you.
Our passage concludes with a picture of the day when the light dawns in all its fullness, with the crucified, risen Jesus reigning over his eternal Kingdom (see v7). It’s a classic Advent theme: we look again at Christ’s coming to Bethlehem, but we also look to his return in majesty. That’s when the dawn will come in completeness and the glorious light of Christ will shine as never before.
MAJOR DAVID ALTON Corps Officer Boscombe
As of January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER: CARE FOR CREATION – ENJOYING CREATION
Consider the birds (see Luke 12:24) and remind yourself that it is God who provides for us. You could make a simple bird feeder to hang in your garden and so be part of God’s provision for them. As you enjoy the beauty of nature, trust God to meet your needs too.
by Captain Vanessa Coleman (Woking)
SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER: SABBATH PRAYER – WITNESS TO THE LIGHT
Light a candle as a reminder of the light of Jesus. Watch how the air currents move it first one way and then another. Feel the warmth of it on your hands. Know the light of Christ is within you. Ask Jesus to let it shine within you ever more brightly.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – SHARING CHRISTMAS IN SCHOOLS
Lord, we pray for corps that have been invited into schools to share their faith and work, that you will bless their encounters. We pray that students will get to know more of you, Lord, and be inspired to think of others. We pray that this will be the start of a meaningful relationship between the school and the corps. by Fiona Johnson (Resource Coordinator, THQ)
TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER: SERVING AND CARING – VOLUNTEERS
God our Father, we remember before you the kaleidoscope of people who offer their gifts and skills as volunteers. At this busy time of year, we pray particularly for the local officers who help organise our corps. We pray for the loyal community volunteers who give their time and talents to bless others. We lift them up to you, asking for strength, joy and renewed energy.
by Lydia Kibaara (Volunteer Engagement Manager, THQ)
WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER: GROWING IN FAITH – NORTH SCOTLAND DIVISION Lord, we pray for Brechin Corps facing this season without officers. We pray that you will challenge people to serve and assist in leading the corps, so that the work of supporting and blessing their community can continue. We pray for direction, guidance and opportunities as we all seek God’s will for the North Scotland Division. by Major David Womersley (Shetland)
THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – GERMANY, LITHUANIA AND POLAND TERRITORY
We pray that Salvationists in the territory will continue to feel encouraged and supported as they care for huge numbers of Ukrainian refugees. We pray for the territory’s leaders, Colonels Dean and Eirwen Pallant, that the Holy Spirit will lead them ever deeper into life in all its fullness.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEAL
Lord Jesus, as we support families living in poverty, bless those people who are so generous in giving toys and gifts so that The Salvation Army can provide presents for children who might otherwise go without. May this practical ministry be a blessing to both the giver and the receiver. by Mitch Menagh (Assistant Secretary for Mission)
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.
A call to connection
Andrew Wileman speaks to George Tanton about the Army’s No One Alone project
IN 2023, more than 12,000 recorded interactions at corps across the territory involved individuals struggling with loneliness or social isolation. Seeking to rectify this, the Army’s No One Alone project is encouraging corps and centres to engage in opportunities for greater local social cohesion.
Andrew Wileman is the assistant director of Older People’s Services. He is also the policy lead for No One Alone, a member of the national working group for the Campaign to End Loneliness and has a seat on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities. He believes that society faces an epidemic of loneliness, which he describes as ‘a landscape of relational poverty sweeping the nation’.
The reasons for loneliness are numerous and complex. Unemployment, homelessness, unequal social mobility, bereavement, long-term illness, age and disability offer a maelstrom of explanations for the number of reported cases. The fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic has also exacerbated underlying symptoms. This is partly due to the breakdown of social cohesion, the legacy of mandated isolation and distrust between communities.
These issues present a formidable challenge to people’s physical and mental health.
‘The World Health Organization declared that loneliness and isolation are two of the most challenging public health concerns that they’re facing in the foreseeable future,’ Andrew asserts. ‘Research has shown that loneliness can be as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day!’
‘I think it also presents one of the most important pastoral challenges for the Army and wider Church,’ he adds.
The No One Alone research review, commissioned by the Mission Service in 2022, identifies multiple social groups at particular risk of social isolation and loneliness. These include carers, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, people who have been bereaved, older people, military veterans, people experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers and refugees.
‘Loneliness doesn’t treat people equally,’ remarks Andrew. ‘And it affects far more than older people, for example, people who are financially disadvantaged, or those who live in poor housing with poor access to public transport. These can create a
sense of isolation and loneliness that’s really difficult to tackle.
‘We see lots of veterans in our homelessness services. A number of them live with chronic mental health issues, addiction issues or don’t have access to public services. It’s not surprising that some choose not to engage with society. This can breed loneliness and isolation.’
For LGBTQ+ people, Andrew highlights the complex prejudices they face as factors that can contribute to loneliness and social isolation: ‘Social discrimination and stigma can be very isolating for them.’
Certainly, fear can be a significant reason behind why asylum seekers and refugees are particularly vulnerable to experiencing loneliness or isolation.
‘In the current political and social climate, there’s a lot of discrimination and misunderstanding around refugees and asylum seekers,’ he explains. ‘Their experiences can be disorientating, scary and cause further isolation.’
One way No One Alone is encouraging the support of refugees and asylum seekers experiencing social isolation is by opening community cafés, such as the Sunflower Café at Scarborough (featured in the 22 June 2024 issue of Salvationist).
‘It offers culturally sensitive food and a space for displaced people to come together,’ reflects Andrew. ‘They can talk about their homes and their family lives.’
No One Alone resources link to community engagement opportunities such as coffee mornings, volunteering and exercise opportunities and befriending events, as well as signposting to other Army services and age-specific resources. The latter includes Starfish, the Army’s mentoring programme for schools. Indeed, young people have been identified by the Army’s No One Alone research as a vulnerable demographic, which Andrew explains is partly due to the polarisation of society on social media.
‘We’re becoming increasingly connected through social media, yet feeling lonelier than ever, and social media can create a disturbing narrative of isolation,’ he asserts. ‘Our research tells us that people aged 18 to 25 are perhaps the largest and fastest growing group of people experiencing loneliness.’
Algorithms and divisive social media influencers are considerably affecting vulnerable young men, Andrew adds: ‘They argue that the world has left
them behind, that society is against them and that they should isolate themselves and be “their own man”.’
This is why No One Alone signposts to the Army’s Upbeat resource, which helps boys aged 13 to 16 develop healthier approaches to emotional wellbeing.
For Andrew, the Movement – and indeed the wider Church – is in a prime position to help build a cohesive society.
‘The Church is a profound player and practitioner in tackling loneliness and isolation,’ he asserts. ‘I feel very strongly that it’s time for The Salvation Army to raise our voice. We’ve got to put our flag in the sand and say, “We’re right here!”’
• Get involved with No One Alone. Read the full research and access resources at salvationist.org.uk/resources/ no-one-alone.
Better together
Lyn Woods finds out how corps and centres are tackling loneliness and isolation in their communities
Befriending
Bangor
Befriending Coordinator Julia Gillen
The service – which has been running for more than 10 years – visits lonely and isolated people aged 65 and over. It’s been steadily growing, with 28 befrienders and 54 befriendees currently.
Some befrienders take on more than one befriendee, some phone each other regularly, and some have requested just to receive cards. Two prayer befrienders pray for everyone, and cards are sent for birthdays, Easter and Christmas. A befriender could be the only face a befriendee sees in a week, and a cup of tea and a chat help alleviate loneliness. Friendships develop and visits can continue indefinitely.
To celebrate Befriending Week (1–7 November), we provided lunch for everyone. It was lovely seeing people come together, get to know each other and celebrate befriending. Events like this also help reduce isolation by bringing people out of their usual surroundings and providing opportunities to socialise and feel part of a group.
It’s a pleasure to help people in my community who would otherwise be lost or forgotten. The befrienders look forward to each visit and get so much out of the friendships they make.
Families’ days Shotts
Children and Family Worker Marlyn Spence
We run our families’ days throughout the year. They are organised by me, other corps members and the young people who attend our groups.
Activities include eating together, which we feel is very important and helps foster health and wellbeing. Alongside this, we enjoy days out, planting, litter-picking, games, crafts and action songs. We promote inclusivity by ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone, no matter their abilities or needs. People of all ages and from different walks of life come together, and this helps strengthen social bonds and build social connections.
We work hard to try and bridge the generation gap by enabling various people to organise activities for others. For example, the older generation has taught the younger to knit and crochet. This helps break down barriers and reduces isolation for everyone.
All these things combined allow for quality family time. People come along and enjoy activities together, as well as taking opportunities to build new relationships with other families.
We aim to create a safe space for all, where everyone feels valued, safe and welcomed. We hope to create networks and bonds where all who attend can feel a sense of belonging.
Starfish
Boston
Starfish Coordinator Sarah Robinson
For some of our mentees, Starfish is the chance to spend time on a one-to-one basis with someone, knowing they will be listened to.
Our team includes seven mentors, who currently mentor 11 young people aged between 9 and 16 over two primary schools and one secondary school. We’ve been operational for the past academic year and have schools waiting for mentors!
One young mentee expressed the desire to practise football skills. Their mentor, Ruth Quinell, duly took them outside to kick a ball around. The relationship they built provided a safe space to discuss feelings around family breakdown.
Another mentee was overwhelmed by worries and anxiety and was terrified about moving to secondary school. Craft activities, cake decorating and patient conversation provided them with space to learn to smile once again. I recently heard about how well they settled into their new school.
Ultimately, whether it’s supporting young people as they juggle big feelings, or whether it’s giving them the confidence to approach the transition to secondary school or face GCSEs, Starfish is giving mentees a judgementfree environment to express worries and feelings and find a way to move towards a happier frame of mind. Find out more about Starfish at salvationist.org.uk/ starfish
Heart of Westminster Café Regent Hall
Community Engagement Lead Emma Neill
Our community engagement work has grown and developed over the past four years. Our Welcome Hub is open three days a week as a warm space, offering hot drinks and a team of listening volunteers. We also run a project that offers opportunities to connect and build relationships with residents from the local Peabody estate. This includes picnics, lunches and concerts, as well as support around safety linking with the police.
6 top tips from local leaders
Relationships
Partnering Age UK Westminster, we host regular coffee mornings and have developed a well-attended memory café project, which has been running since May 2022. Older People’s Services supported this by providing dementia awareness sessions for 11 of our team.
Start something new today!
For ideas, resources and more, visit salvationist.org.uk/resources/ no-one-alone-ideas.
We invited the people coming to the sessions to choose a name for it, as a means of participating and taking ownership. They chose the Heart of Westminster Café. Sessions are creatively therapeutic, working with local art gallery outreach teams and music schools. This is a much-valued time for those attending. Find out more about Warm Welcome Spaces at salvationist. org.uk/warmwelcome
To read more stories of people tackling loneliness and isolation, head online to salvationist.org.uk/ bettertogether.
Prioritise creating a safe space over providing entertainment, and encourage relationships to continue outside programmes.
Comfort
Don’t force people to join in – they’ll participate in their own way and time.
Include
Offer an open-door policy and ensure your building is accessible.
Community
Speak into community meetings and listen to people’s needs.
Signpost
Get resources ready to point people in the direction of further support.
Reflect
Recognise your limitations – such as poor transport links or limited volunteers – and find ways to work to your strengths.
A friend in need
Members of the Wellbeing Department and Retired Officers Unit tell Major Lynne Shaw about their roles in alleviating loneliness and isolation
MOST of us need some time alone – to reset, refresh, rethink – but loneliness and isolation can have profound effects on our physical, mental and spiritual health. Feeling connected and understood may not fix everything, but two carrying a load makes things easier.
Being the leader of a corps, centre or department adds a layer of complexity to this, which is why the Wellbeing Department – for active officers and territorial envoys – and the Retired Officers Unit are vital. Their remit is care, compassion and connection, sharing the load in whatever way they can.
‘As part of our ministry, regional wellbeing officers pay visits to active officers and territorial envoys on request,’ says Director of Wellbeing Major Sarah Evans (THQ). ‘Issues of loneliness and isolation sometimes emerge during these
visits, and our team are privileged to come alongside our colleagues at difficult times in their ministry and personal lives.’
Captains Peter and Ruth Hammond, who retired in 2010, visit other retired officers. They reflect on seeing lots of different types of loneliness, but that people find it hard to admit.
‘We all have our ups and downs,’ Peter reassures me. As visitors, they hope to ‘walk the journey’ with the people they visit, bringing love, kindness and compassion to bear. Understanding the context of officership and spiritual leadership is important, and professional insight and shared experiences are factors in alleviating loneliness and isolation.
Wellbeing Support Officer Major Peter Clark (THQ) emphasises that people can always ring, text or email him at any time. In fact, the whole
department insists on the same intentional availability. He reminds me: ‘People feel that what they’re thinking or feeling is silly, that others won’t understand. But, once they’ve crossed the threshold, they feel more comfortable and realise we’re all human!’
He shares that, for active officers, the loneliness that can come from feeling judged is offset by being offered a confidential space to speak, where no one will laugh at you or be shocked.
He explains that seeking support isn’t necessarily about being broken so much as being stuck and needing help to move forwards. Our culture pushes self-sufficiency, implying that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Jesus taught us to love and care for our neighbour, implying a need for compassionate community. Wellbeing support exists for people who may be
succeeding in what they’re doing while also finding a particular circumstance difficult.
He acknowledges that people sometimes have huge worries going round their mind. Voicing these out loud with a trusted person can help stop the echo chamber.
‘It’s normalising how people are,’ he says. ‘People wonder why they feel this way, and I might say: “The way you feel is normal for what you’re going through.” People selftalk a lot. We can help switch off the echo.’
‘Officers can worry about how they are perceived,’ he recognises. ‘They might worry about confidentiality and that can stop them from sharing what they’re dealing with. The Wellbeing Department absolutely holds that sacrament securely.’
In conversation with Assistant Retired Officers Secretary Major
Steven Turner (THQ), some of the reasons for loneliness and isolation are observably health-related.
‘As people get older,’ he explains, ‘they may not be able to get out. There’s a disconnect if they can’t get to the Army. Retired officer visitors help maintain the connection. The unit aims to send out as much news as we can, and we try to keep retired officers up to date.’
For both teams, though, human connection and care are at the heart of everything. Peter and Ruth point to meaningful conversations, reminiscing, sharing testimonies, singing together and coming away feeling that they’ve been blessed. They reiterate that pastoral care, compassion and sharing blessings and difficulties are vital to wellbeing. Approximately 10 per cent of retired officers are without a visitor, which can be hard after a lifetime of service. They suggest that corps can
help by involving and connecting with retired officer neighbours, even seeking out their wisdom.
‘Our job is helping people realise their value,’ they say, ‘helping them negotiate loss, process pain and frustration, and see how they can still have a ministry.’
Ultimately, the vital work of caring for our neighbours, for each other, belongs to all of us – we all need to be connected. Steven reiterates: ‘The biggest cure for loneliness is talking to each other.’
• If you have a pastoral heart and can spare some time, contact the Retired Officers Unit by emailing RetiredOfficersUnit@salvationarmy.org.uk.
MAJOR LYNNE SHAW Editorial Assistant Publishing Department
A hoping hand
Laura Guy explains how the Army’s Employment Plus service is connecting with people in prison
THE Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service has long supported people on the margins of communities, helping them get into – or back into – work. Giving people this opportunity is a fundamental part of the Army’s mission to seek justice and reconciliation, fostering social inclusion as well as independence and financial stability.
The work of Employment Plus in prisons is still in its relatively early days, but the service is already giving a hoping hand up to people in dark places, reminding them that they are not alone.
While working in one London prison, we were invited to attend a Ready, Steady, Cook-style event that the organisation Kerb was holding. The men were split into two groups, given identical ingredients and tasked to come up with a dish for us to sample. It was an effective way of getting to know them and seeing their creativity flourish. We conducted mock interviews with them, and provided details of Kerb’s training scheme that we could support them to access upon release from prison.
Kevin showed a passion for setting up his own food business in the future. We handed out our contact information and explained the support Employment Plus could offer upon release. Before he was released, we went back in to see Kevin in his cell. We were hopeful he would reach out.
Kevin grew up in London surrounded by poverty and crime. He was absorbed into this world from a very young age. This environment was normal to him and the need for money to survive meant he was pulled into selling drugs. He was eventually caught and sentenced to two years in prison.
Kevin says: ‘During my time in prison, I think I used it wisely as I was working in the kitchen and serving prison staff. This gave me a few privileges like earning more money than the standard work.’
Earning more meant that there was less pressure on his family to send him money, which can be a major stress factor for both the person in prison and their family. We often meet people who ask us to support their family members with money management and debt support, which can be isolating.
Earlier this year, Kevin was released
from prison and he reached out to discuss what we could do to ensure he had a clear plan and goals to keep him busy. Kevin had been proactive and secured some work, but we wanted to keep his dream of a food business alive. We supported him to discuss opportunities with Kerb, which resulted in him having a second job working for a food business and helped him to see the reality of this type of job. We also ensured he had travel fare for the first two months of working, as this can often be a major barrier for someone leaving prison.
Kevin continues to work towards his future goals while working full-time and staying away from any potential trouble. One of our advisers is supporting him as he potentially moves into another job working more sociable hours.
‘Having people check on you from time to time helps,’ adds Kevin. ‘It’s changed my priorities.’
LAURA GUY Regional Manager Employment Plus
COMMUNITY
CANVEY ISLAND More than 40 families celebrated the first anniversary of the Stuff on the Bus mobile supermarket with an afternoon of carnival fun at the hall. The service has made a real difference to the community by providing subsidised food and groceries and signposting to other Army services and support. More than 300 people have signed up and it’s estimated that about 1,000 residents have been supported. – AR
EVENT
WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE Anglican theologian Dr Paula Gooder spoke at a one-day conference. The day included crossover between spiritual formation and biblical studies, leaving all in attendance blessed and encouraged. She is pictured with Principal Lieut-Colonel Mark Herbert and Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare, who hosted the day. – LO
LEIGH-ON-SEA Lynda Viccars converted an old boat into a garden project for the corps preschool. The children learnt about the importance of caring for creation while planting bulbs donated by other corps members. – RD/CD
INTERNATIONAL
Building faith communities UKI
CAPTAIN Chris Button (Stroud), Captain Stephen Molen (New Zealand) and Captain Natalie Frame (Australia) took part in a tri-territorial webinar exploring The Shape and Nature of Faith Communities.
The webinar was part of a regular series between the UKI, Australia, and New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territories. It looked at faith communities and the creative ways they can operate. The conversation was an opportunity to learn, see how different territories are meeting their communities’ needs, and explore how God is at work.
Some key points of shared experience emerged.
First, hospitality and honesty are central to establishing healthy faith communities. The Kingdom of God actively welcomes people in and wants to give people somewhere to be at home. How a faith community greets others, shares in their lives and provides for their needs reflect its priorities. This is not the responsibility of leaders but of every member.
Radical hospitality is only possible through radical honesty. Because people often have unhealthy assumptions that Christians should be perfect and never struggle with anything, Christians are not confident in revealing they don’t match up to this. No one is good but God alone: everyone is in need of grace. When that is the starting point, people are free to be open about struggles they are going through.
Second, building a transformative community takes time and commitment. This means investing in a theology of place – knowing that God is at work, even in places that seem dangerous or difficult or that people might rather avoid.
Last, but perhaps most important, is the development of covenantal partnerships. These are small groups of people who are committed to working together, through the Holy Spirit, to seeing God’s Kingdom come on Earth as in Heaven. They form the basic unit of a transformative faith community, creating a network of hyper-local partnerships committed to transforming their communities.
The event was encouraging: God is doing amazing things worldwide and invites everyone to join in with God’s mission in their local communities. – CB
• Watch a recording of the webinar at tinyurl.com/ webinarcommunities
EMERGENCY AID
NIGERIA Up to 40 per cent of the city of Maiduguri, Borno State, was left under water after the catastrophic collapse of the Alau Dam, displacing almost 400,000 people. Due to overcrowding in camps for internally displaced people, more than 2,000 individuals were stranded, without access to help or support. The Army supported 325 displaced families who were not able to be accommodated in the main camps by providing food, hygiene and sanitary items. – AR
ANNIVERSARY
WINSFORD The 143rd corps anniversary started with a fabulous feast of food from three continents followed by celebrations ranging from worship dance to Marriott monologue, gospel music from Nigeria, Angola and Pakistan, a cornet solo and duet, Iranian dance and a cake from the leaders for the weekend, Major David Evans and Major Sarah Evans (THQ). To God be the glory! – GD
HAMILTON Major Elaine Turner (Wallace of Campsie House Lifehouse) led the Sunday morning celebrating the 139th corps anniversary. Her message, entitled Rooted in Fellowship, looked at Acts 2:42–47 and challenged and blessed the congregation. Pictured cutting the cake with Major Elaine is Major Margaret Halbert. – WL
HUCKNALL Major Fred Thompson was pleased to return to conduct the 145th corps anniversary weekend and cut the cake. Stapleford Songsters provided a musical evening on the Saturday and Major Fred led Sunday worship, which included the welcome of Henry Uche Okoro as an adherent. – CW
CATERHAM The corps celebrated its 127th anniversary, with a thanksgiving meeting led by Major Gary Robb and Major Sue Pegram (both South East DHQ), followed by a bountiful bring and share lunch. Last year the corps celebrated its 116th anniversary, but with the help of the International Heritage Centre – discovered that the corps is 10 years older than was written in the corps history books! Records indicate that the Army started work in Upper Caterham, now known as Caterham on the Hill, in December 1897 not 1907. The corps would love to know more about those first 10 years and would appreciate hearing from any readers who may be able to help. – AF
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL The corps celebrated its 132nd anniversary and 50 years since moving into its current building. The weekend started with an evening featuring music and dance groups and a round-up of significant moments from the past five decades. Many former corps members attended. Sunday’s meeting was themed Who I Am in God and considered how the corps is seen by others individually and as a church. A faith lunch for more than 150 people followed with the opportunity to give views and opinions on aspects of the corps, including its purpose, programme and evaluation. A lot of positives and valuable talking points were expressed. – RO
WICK The 140th corps anniversary celebrations commenced with an article in the John O’Groat Journal. A dinner and quiz night, under the guest leadership of Majors Karen and Peter Clark, combined the anniversary with the Harvest celebrations. Sunday worship included putting together a floral ‘bouquet of memories’, as well as the Harvest altar service. Majors Karen and Peter are pictured cutting the anniversary cake. – GH
IPSWICH CITADEL As part of the 140th corps anniversary, members created a display of its heritage and current activities. Many people visited over the weekend. Monthly community breakfasts are also regularly attracting many people who would otherwise not come to the Army. – DC
EMERGENCY AID
PHILIPPINES In response to Severe Tropical Storm Trami, the Army has distributed meals to 790 individuals, including 310 children, at evacuation sites in Legazpi. More than 6.7 million people were impacted by the storm and flooding, across 17 out of 18 regions in the country. – AR
SPAIN The Army supported flood-hit communities, following the flooding in Valencia. Officers, members and volunteers from corps in Dénia and Alicante opened their doors to distribute clothing, water and food. – KG
MUSIC
WATERBEACH Tanya Orr and Val Parkhouse (both Enfield) were special guests at a Songs of Praise concert and presented hymn arrangements for flute and piano, including ‘Blessèd Assurance’ and ‘I Stand Amazed’. Favourite songs were chosen and the newest corps member spoke about the peace she received as she walked through the hall doors. With lively contributions from the band and songsters, a warm and thought-provoking atmosphere was enjoyed. – DC-H
GUISBOROUGH The band celebrated its 140th anniversary with a weekend comprising a workshop followed by a festival of music with special guest Brett Baker, a former member of Black Dyke Band. Brett played several solos, some accompanied by the band and others by Brian Mercer (Bedlington) on piano. – SS
CRADLEY HEATH The corps hosted a Black Country Corps Celebration, which brought Darlaston, Dudley, Oldbury and Willenhall Corps together for an afternoon of Army music. The united band opened with ‘Temple 85’, followed by the united songsters singing ‘On the Rock’. The band pieces included ‘Guardian of My Soul’ and the songster pieces included ‘Under His Wings’. The hall was full and the congregation enjoyed singing hymns before the band concluded with ‘Under Two Flags’. – KT
BELLSHILL The band led the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service, organised by the Royal British Legion. Band Sergeant Commissioner Ivor Telfer led the service, focusing on the theme Peace and Reconciliation. – MS
WATERBEACH Corps members joined other churches for a Remembrance Sunday service at the war memorial. About 150 people congregated to remember and observe the two-minute silence. Bandmaster Joe McLelland sounded the Last Post and Reveille. – DC-H
COMMUNITY
WELLING The corps was awarded £5,000 from the Morrisons Foundation to purchase a commercial glass-fronted fridge and freezer for the Lighthouse community pantry. These will enable the pantry to hold a higher volume of items. The corps has also been able to purchase a soup urn, coffee machine and other kitchen items to provide greater support to its community. – KS
BRIEF UPDATES
SHAW The corps donated 99 shoeboxes filled with gifts and knitted blankets to international charity Teams4U. The shoeboxes will be taken to eastern Europe and distributed to children who wouldn’t otherwise receive anything this Christmas. – KH
DUNSTABLE Children and their parents gathered on 31 October to celebrate all things light and bright! The children made crafts celebrating the amazing lights in the night sky, learnt about the King of Light and finished the night off with a glow-in-the-dark disco! – RC
CHIPPENHAM Harvest celebrations were led by Major Denise Wise (Bath Citadel). As part of the Harvest display, members of the congregation brought gifts that would assist the corps food bank. Corps folk also enjoyed a Harvest lunch of hot beef stew and dumplings! – JD
PORTSMOUTH CITADEL The corps held a sold-out Night at the Proms event, raising £2,412. All proceeds will support the nursery at the corps community centre, which runs for 51 weeks a year, providing early years education to approximately 50 children each week. – SN
CARLISLE The ladies fellowship hosted an evening musical soirée to raise funds for the Helping-Hand Appeal. The Carlisle Singers and Carlisle Ukulele Band entertained a full hall with a mixed programme of music and recitation. Refreshments were available and a craft stall sold festive items. A total of £614.58 was raised. – MS
YORK Rotarian Dennis Adamson – a soldier at the corps – presented a cheque for £1,500 on behalf of York Rotary in aid of the Army’s annual Christmas toy appeal. – DA
Appointed
Effective 1 November
MAJOR JENNY BARWISE, additional appointment, Divisional Ecumenical Officer (Norfolk and Waveney), East of England Division
Effective 14 November
MAJOR WILL PEARSON, redesignation, Assistant Territorial Director, Addictions
MAJOR CATHERINE WYLES, Paisley Citadel
Effective 21 November
MAJOR CHRISTA BEELDMAN, additional appointment, Chaplain, Logos House Lifehouse (7 hours a week)
MAJOR PETER BEELDMAN, additional appointment, Chaplain, Logos House Lifehouse, Bristol (7 hours a week)
CAPTAIN ELIZABETH DI-PALMA , additional appointment, Divisional Safeguarding Officer, East Midlands Division
MAJOR ROBERT ELLIOTT, Divisional Mission Officer (pro tem), South West Division
TERRITORIAL ENVOY SUSAN JACKSON, additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer, East Midlands Division
CAPTAIN CHERYL STONE, additional appointment, Divisional Prayer Coordinator, East Midlands Division
LIEUTENANT AMANDA WHITCOMBE, additional appointment, Divisional Safeguarding Officer, East Midlands Division
Effective 28 November
MAJOR VICKY OWEN, officer in retirement, Chaplain, Youell Court (12 hours a week)
Effective 1 December
MAJOR DAVID CAVANAGH, Ecumenical and Parliamentary Officer (Scotland)
COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON, Executive Secretary to Territorial Leadership (Scotland) (21 hours a week)
Effective 2 December
MAJOR SUE WHITLA , Divisional Intergenerational Officer, Ireland Division
Effective 30 January 2025
LIEUTENANT DIANE TAYLOR , Chaplain, Booth House Lifehouse
Wedding Anniversaries
Diamond (60 Years)
BENNY AND ROSEMARY SUTHERLAND, Great Yarmouth, on 28 November
MAJORS DAVID AND SANDRA DALZIEL on 19 December
Promoted to Glory
JOHN LOSH, Sheffield Citadel
BOB MORRIS, Tunbridge Wells
JOHN MORRISON, Cumbernauld
EDITH REES, Merthyr Tydfil, on 18 November
MAJOR JOHN SMITH from his home on 23 November
LIEUT-COLONEL RHODA SEARLE from her home on 24 November
MAJOR JAMES BROWN from Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, on 26 November
Bereaved
JOAN SPENCER , Sheffield Citadel, and Alan Losh, Derby Central, of their father John Losh
NICOLAS MORRIS of his father Bob Morris
MAJOR LORNA SMITH of her husband Major John Smith
MAJOR ALMA BROWN of her husband Major James Brown, Major Ray Brown and Corps Secretary Dawn Paulowski, Chatham, of their father
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Wed 11 Dec Westminster (Parliamentary Carol Service) Thu 19 Dec All Hallows, London (Churches’ Conservation Trust)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Wed 11 Dec William Booth College (Together in Worship)
NOTICES
Territorial Leaders’ Advent video message
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main visit Blackpool to explore how The Salvation Army in the town is bringing God’s light into the darkness of the world, and how we can take time to prepare our own hearts as we reflect on the gift of Jesus coming into the world. Watch the video at salvationist.org.uk/advent-video-2024.
Christmas top 10: Vote for your favourite carol!
Salvationist Radio will be presenting a festive chart show featuring the top 10 carols as voted for by you! Vote at salvationist.org.uk/radio before 15 December.
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main, who encourages us to share the light of Jesus with others. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Fully Scored: Joy Webb special
In a special edition of the Music Editorial team’s podcast, host Matthew Frost is joined by 11 guests to talk about Major Joy Webb’s life, legacy and music.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
Faith in Sport
Join Sports Mission Specialist Rob Moye (THQ) as he meets people who connect their passion for Jesus with their love of sport. This episode features Director of Mission Gary Smith (SATCoL) talking about how Parkrun has transformed his life. Plus, Charlotte Tanner (Feltham) takes the spotlight in Coach’s Corner.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: The Podcast
The weekly Advent devotional podcast returns for a new series of reflections on the words of Christmas carols, inspired by the book of the same name. Episodes are released each Friday. This week, Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Lieutenant Kat Whitmore (THQ) talks about ‘Angels, from the Realms of Glory’.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
with the
With Marjory Watson (vocal soloist), Regent Hall Band, United singing companies and Celebration Choir
AN ARMY SUPPRESSED An illustrated account of The Salvation Army during the German Occupation of the Channel Islands. £10.00 incl P&P. Details 07702 479095.
Tickets: £15 and £10 from Brownpapertickets Regent Hall 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ
THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND IN CONCERT
Saturday 25 January 2025, 7pm Tickets: £10 and £5 (under-18s)
Available from ticketsource.co.uk/the-salvation-army-sheringham the hall reception: 01263 826059 or the charity shop on Church Street
Enquiries to muriel.garman@salvationarmy.org.uk
Sunday 26 January 2025
Worship at 11am and afternoon festival at 2pm
RECRUITING NOW DIVISIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATOR
The Salvation Army in London, as part of its ministry, responds primarily in support of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) at significant incidents across all London boroughs, through the deployment of three incident response vehicles (IRVs) that serve sandwiches, snacks and drinks to emergency workers. Our on-scene responders are often called upon to provide pastoral care as well.
We are looking for an emergency response coordinator, who will act as the point of contact for LFB (Activation phase) and the Response Vehicle Coordinators (Response phase). Strong experience of working in a similar role is essential. The ideal candidate will be willing and able to operate on a 24/7/365 on-call basis (except for holidays and other agreed absences).
You will be responsible for: monitoring, administering and utilising the communication platform to ensure a swift first response and to request relief crews, live incident replenishment and vehicle recovery; ensuring the legal compliant status of the three IRVs, visiting each base at least monthly to conduct checks; ensuring vehicles remain at constant readiness through regular vehicle and stock/supplies checks.
You will also support the divisional emergency response officer in the recruitment and training of volunteer and officer responders. Previous experience of developing and supporting a team of people to enable the delivery of a service is essential. Ideally, experience or knowledge of working with/in the emergency services professions would be desirable.
Salary
£17.88 per hour
Working hours
16 hours per week
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months
Location
Based anywhere in London, travel required within M25
Details
Contributory pension scheme; 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata); employee assistance programme
Closing date Mon 30 December
Interviews held Date TBC
careers.salvationarmy.org.uk
Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
ADVERTISING RATES
