3 minute read
Charity pages
This month’s charity: Friends of Stour Connect
Friends of Stour Connect are pleased to announce the re-opening of our community projects in Sturminster Newton, in line with the Government roadmap.
“For the past 12 months or so, our concentration has been on the Covid 19 Action Group, where we played a major role, and whilst we are still assisting with food parcels, collection of prescriptions, and many other tasks, now feels the right time to safely re open.
The following projects have (or will be) re-opened - please do share with any who may enjoy or be in need of any of them:
• Connect to Employment,
our specific employability and life skills scheme for people with additional needs. Free places still available. This scheme is delivered with qualified volunteers, and individual learning and skills programmes for attendees
• Community Café
Super-reasonable prices, open Monday to Thursday 8.30am til 1.30pm in Sturminster Newton. Including our new Social Breakfast every Monday morning (all welcome). Discounts for NHS, Care staff, carers, teaching staff and posties by way of a thank you.
• Twice but Nice
our charity shop in Sturminster Newton, open Monday to Thursday 8.30 am til 2pm. Great range and fantastic prices. Donations always welcomed. Monies raised go straight to our projects.
• Mens Shed Stour,
a friendship project for all based on woodworking, recycling and repairs. New members welcome. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays each week We touched on earlier the importance of our volunteers to us, and we had such a fabulous response to the initial lockdown. As we re-open we could always do with more volunteers;
if you are looking to volunteer in a friendly, fabulous supportive environment please get in touch.”
• Life is for Living
a café/gardening project for
people with memory
loss/ a diagnosis of dementia new referrals are now welcomed. This project re-opens 19th May 2021. We have provided this service via Computers and Phone over the lockdowns, and our attendee numbers have increased.
• Our very
successful Meals on Wheels scheme
has provided for increasing numbers of local people (across North Dorset) during the lockdowns, thanks to the support from our wonderful delivery volunteers. Through our fundraising we have been able to provide increasing numbers of meals for free or at discounted prices. This has assisted people with hospital discharge, as well as assisting carers. We are happy to deliver occasional meals or daily meals. Please phone for details.
01258 471359 (Sheryn or Andy) or admin@friendsofstourconnect. org
Purbeck Youth & Community Foundation took over running the Wareham Youth & Community Centre in 2016
setting up the Charity to provide services for Young People, and to see the Centre was used for community benefit. The Charity now runs clubs in Wareham, Wool and Corfe, and has outreach in Swanage using their newly acquired Outreach Vehicle. Covid has challenged us all, and PBYC have used Zoom, their allotment, worked in schools, held outdoor meetings, provided outdoor challenges and undertaken Outreach. They have provided holiday activities including hot meals for young people who are eligible for free school meals.
The centre is a community hub with clubs, a weekly counsellor, a D of E group, Over 50s Not so Youth club, some under 10s sessions, and a club for adults with a learning disability.
PBYC link with various partners including Planet Purbeck and the picture above shows their painted cow at Studland in the Dunes project.
Young people benefit from feeling safe, with access to qualified Youth Workers / trusted adults, and the opportunity to work out problems, socialise and enjoy activities. PBYC provide training for volunteers of all ages and are grateful for local support from Councils, business and the local community. They are always looking for various volunteers, part time youth workers and fundraisers. To find out more about them, see their Facebook page, Instagram @pycfwareham, and their website www.pycf.org.uk
Donations are always put to good use!
Ward Goodman would like to invite you to the annual Dorset Charities Conference which this year is being held on Wednesday 12th May 2021.
The event, now in its ninth year, will continue to connect charities with leading sector suppliers and a wealth of expert speakers, who will be conducting informative presentations, providing an opportunity for delegates to earn CPD credits where applicable. Regular attendees look forward to meeting up each year for charity related updates. Current COVID-19 restrictions mean that the 2021 conference will take place online. Further information is available at www.wardgoodman.co.uk/dcc Or you can email charities@ wardgoodman.co.uk
