guildford action presentation
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TRANSCRIPT
Charlie McCaffertyFundraising and Marketing
The History – Where it all Began
• Guildford Action started over 30 years ago as a support group for the unemployed in the recession of the early ‘Eighties’.
The Guildford Action Vision
• To enhance the lives of individuals & families through their experience of Guildford Action
Guildford Action Values
People Centred
Knowledgeable
Respectful
Independent Impartial Confidential
Neighbourly Positive Practical
Guildford Action Mission
Working with others we will:
• Provide services that are chosen by hard-to-reach and disadvantaged individuals and families for support and activities
• Work in partnership with public bodies, voluntary and other charitable organisations in Guildford to achieve shared goals for the benefit of the disadvantaged
Guildford Action Mission
Working with others we will:
• Be a good organisation to work for
• Work for the benefit of the whole community
Guildford Action ‘Today’
• The Guildford Action Drop-in Centre
• Guildford Action for Families (GAF)
Over 30 years the charity has expanded its services to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable and at
risk within our communities
The Drop-in Centre
Based at
The Community Centre Leapale Lane,
Guildford, GU1 4LY
• Aims to engage and support those with a multitude of issues, which may include
• Housing (Rough Sleepers & Sofa Surfers)• Debt• Relationship Breakdown• Mental Health Challenges• Isolation• Poverty (low incomes & Benefits)• Employment• Effects of Crime (victim or perpetrator)• Substance Misuse
Who the Guildford Action Drop-in Centre Supports
A Drop-in Centre Visitor
• Timmy can’t pay his bills on his own. Doesn’t want to speak to anyone on the phone.
• He feels safe at the Drop-in Centre.
• Timmy was lonely.• Timmy was on the
street.
A Drop-in Centre Visitor
Ben is 24 and has been sleeping rough for 9
years, after a childhood of abuse, he deserves
to laugh
There were 20 people sleeping rough on the streets of Guildford last night
• Centre normally open to all from 10.00am till 4.00pm Monday to Friday
• ‘Teas & Coffees’ Monday to Friday 8.00am till 9.30am outside St Saviours for those who have left the night hostel or slept rough
How the Guildford Action Drop-in Centre Supports
The Drop-in Centre
Those on the streets are vulnerable and at risk. People become institutionalised after 3 weeks being outside.
• Provides support on applications with housing, benefits advice and signposting on to specialist agencies for support
• Free showers and clothing available to those who have slept rough or in need
How the guildford Action Drop-in Centre
Supports
• A medical centre with doctors and district nurses regularly attend to prescribe and offer medical treatment for those who find it hard to access a GP for whatever reason.
• Affordable food at breakfast and lunch with hot refreshments throughout the day
Who the Drop-in Centre Supports
Numbers Supported by Guildford Action Drop-in
The Drop-in Centre has overThe Drop-in Centre has over
425differentdifferent visitors throughout the year visitors throughout the year
The Guildford Action Drop-in Centre team
1x Team Leader
4 x Project Workers
1 x Kitchen Worker
20 x Volunteers
The Guildford ‘Soup Kitchen’
•The Soup Kitchen runs from January to March annually with some 50 to 60 people turning up to one session for hot meals and drinks.
•It alternates from the Drop-in Centre to Number Five every Saturday from 1.00pm till 5.00pm.
•Guildford Action staff are present with volunteers, this year we were helped by volunteers from The Soroptimists and Barlow Robbins LLP.
• Clothing including
shoes, hats and coats
What the guildford Action Drop-in Centre
Needs
• Donations of dry & tinned food, household items
•Financial contributions to cover a variety of things disposable gloves, condoms, sanitary items
•Sleeping bags
•Thermos flasks
Sponsored Walk May
2009 – Shalford Park
Fundraising Events
Guildford Action for Families (THE GAF)
The GAF supports parents/carers who have children under the age of 18, who need support
Guildford Action for Families (THE GAF)
Summer Trips with the GAF help isolated families venture out and takes them away from their issues they are facing.
Guildford Action for Families (THE GAF)
Christmas is a very important time and for those who have very little can be an overwhelming one!
• A Balloon Release at The GAF 10th Birthday Party
• Fun activities in a safe environment
Guildford Action for Families (THE GAF)
• The Family Support workers work in the different areas and run Drop-in Sessions within these areas to reintegrate families back into the communities they have become marginalised from.
• Outreach at all other times to Parents/ Carers homes to those who are isolated. We cover Guildford Borough as well as some areas of Waverley.
Guildford Action for Families (THE GAF)
• Self referral are encouraged but the GAF also takes referrals from:– Social services– GPs & Health Visitors– Schools– Churches and parishioners– Friends
The GAF Gives Support from?
• Family breakdowns
• Domestic abuse
• Parenting Skills
• Housing issues such as arrears, homechoice etc.
• Children who have children
• Substance misuse
GAF Issues
• Courses are run such as parenting skills, numeracy & literacy, healthy eating, menu planning etc.
• Advice on parenting, benefits, debt and housing.
• The signposting of parents to specialist agencies for specific issues.
GAF Support
‘Parenting Course’
GAF
• Advocacy with Social Services involving those with children at risk of ‘care proceedings’
• Advocacy in court proceedings
• Arranging day trips to facilitate family unit bonding
GAF Support
• The GAF supported last year 436 adults and 408 children
• Numbers increase during economic downturn as relationship breakdown, debt, housing, mental health issues all increase
Numbers Supported by GAF
What the GAF Needs
• Computer games etc
• Children's’ clothes
•Books
•Pushchairs, cots, baby equipment
• Financial contributions for out of school activities
• Volunteers, crèche workers
The GAF Staff Team
1x Family Support Team Leader
3 x Family Support Workers
Other Guildford Action Activities
ADMINISTRATIONADMINISTRATION
FUNDRAISINGFUNDRAISING
MARKETINGMARKETING
DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
Have you the skills or resources to help in any of these areas?
Numbers supported by Guildford Action over a year
Over 15001500 people helped in
one year
Total engaged with Guildford Action?