TO LOOK BACK AT 2023 FROM THE AREA WE LIVE IN
yourself.
Wishing you all a bearable Christmas and a happier, healthy 2024!
YVONNE AND TONY, CHANGES TAMWORTH: gone?
Changes Tamworth has been very busy as normal. We started 2023 with many people struggling with their mental health as we know Christmas is not a happy time for everyone.
A lot of members learnt different coping strategies by delivering our psycho-educational workshops and structured peer support to them all. Members have to work on their mental distress to get well.
It is amazing how people can change by just being able to talk about their issues in a confidential environment. It is a user-led service, our members supporting one another is amazing to be a part of. But maintaining your mental wellness is so important, our copyrighted workshops allow us all to do this.
This year we were presented with the Community Champion of the Year award by the Round Table, we were very blessed, thank you to everyone concerned, we are very grateful for this accolade. Tamworth’s community has been amazing supporting us in 2023 and we are so grateful, thank you to everyone that has supported us as we are not statutory funded. We would just like to wish everyone a fabulous Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year and 2024, find contentment in your own lives and count your blessings everyday. Don’t forget, speak out about your mental distress; you cannot do this alone but with hope, courage and determination things can get better.
REV DR STEPHEN JONATHAN, PASTOR OF ELIM CHURCH; CHAIR OF TRUSTEES OF MANNA HOUSE CHARITY (INCLUDING TAMWORTH FOODBANK): I WOULD like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
This year has been extremely difficult for so many in our town, especially with increasing costs and inflation. Despite the financial challenges of so many we, at Tamworth Foodbank, have witnessed once again such wonderful compassion and kindness from our many supporters, who have stepped up their donations of food and finance this year. Thank you so much. Despite the struggles and financial insecurity of so many businesses and individuals, there has been a real desire to look out for and look after our neighbour, which was central to the message of the One who is himself the centre of Christmas.
In 2023, in addition to Tamworth Elim Church celebrating its 100th anniversary, we have been privileged to help around 7,750 local people through the Foodbank, having given away, free of charge, some £144,000 of food to our community.
This year, we have also celebrated the completion of the first year of our More than Food project designed to help local people step out of poverty through offering support to maximise government benefits for which they are entitled and to provide help for those crippled by debt.
The overall financial gains for people using our free service is a remarkable £700,000 this year. As we look forward to 2024, we promise to continue to serve the people of our town, doing our best in helping to make life just a little better for those in need of financial assistance, practical compassion or by offering a friendly listening ear.
CATHERINE SMITH, CHAIR, HEART OF TAMWORTH: 2023 has been an incredibly busy year at Heart of Tamworth.
As we approach the Christmas break it’s a good time to take stock and acknowledge the tremendous support we have received.
We work in partnership with a huge range of organisations who deliver much-needed activities and support from our community hub in Glascote. These include services for people struggling with cost of living, addiction, disability, ill health, mental health issues, sexual abuse and more.
In addition, there are numerous social groups and activities which help tackle bereavement, loneliness and isolation.
Visitors to our community centre frequently comment on the warm welcome they receive and how much is going on, testament to the hard work of those involved in providing these services.
For me, this is the essence of our charity, people working together to help others. We could not deliver many of our own services without the support of well over 100 volunteers who enable us to run a community food pantry, a very successful community café and numerous activities.
Our volunteers give time freely to support the local community, working hard, often during the evening or weekends.
If you would like to become part of our amazing team why not think about volunteering?
2024 promises to be a busy and exciting time as we launch our brand-new community pantry and pre-loved clothing store. There will undoubtedly be other new projects as well as we continue to support people across the local area.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported this year by providing a donation, volunteering or even walking over hot coals – quite literally (our firewalk fundraising event in June was a great success). We wish you a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year.
CHARLOTTE, SIMON’S
HEROES: 2023 marked ten years since Simon’s Heroes began enhancing the lives of local children in need.
We celebrated with a special party at Wilnecote Leisure Centre in September for beneficiaries and their families.
The unforgettable event was funded by M6toll, who donated £1,000 which provided a real treat for guests.
Since our foundation, we have processed over 90 grants, which has included the purchase of medical and mobility equipment, treatments and therapies, respite breaks for families who spend 24/7 supporting their children and home improvements for those who have little time for anything else outside of caring.
Our charity has been instrumental in turning dreams into reality, funding special treats and experiences for children and their families coping with debilitating illnesses. We have also been involved in some larger community projects including the refurbishment of the sensory room at Two Rivers Primary School, the creation of a sensory garden at Rocklands School as well as funding equipment and resources for a number of other specialist educational facilities.
Today we have over 50 volunteers all dedicated to the cause. We have raised thousands from sponsored events but also generate revenue through other mediums such as charity fundraisers and corporate sponsorship. This year’s fundraisers included a sell-out comedy night at Two Gates Club and a virtual horse race night at The Globe Inn.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to supporters that give their time, resource and money to help us continue our good work.
We would like to extend our warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
If you work for a company looking for its next charity beneficiary or are looking for a cause to support for your next fundraiser, please consider
Simon’s Heroes at simonsheroes@ outlook.com.