Kingdom Values in Action

No one person or agency alone can reduce the impact of domestic abuse on a person but we are much stronger and much more effective together.  As CHADD was founded by the C of E diocese in response to homelessness and gaps faced by people in communities, we are especially proud of the support and assistance local churches provide to us and our work.  There has been lots of support over many years especially for our women’s refuge service.  It truly evidences Kingdom values in action.  To the staff team and to our service users, just knowing that there is a groundswell of support and encouragement from local churches and faith groups lifts the spirits and gives confidence to persevere.

Over the years CHADD has been fortunate enough to partner with local groups and individuals who care about others in the community – offering us volunteers, monetary assistance and gifts in kind.

These are some of the most recent churches and groups who have made donations to CHADD. Most have received a domestic abuse awareness talk from myself and others and some have taken part in workshops that include pathways into our services.

• All Saints Church Sedgley; St Andrews the Straits; St James Lower Gornal; St Mary’s Kingswinford; St Marks Pensnett and Church of the Ascension Wall Heath for a huge number of goods for the welcome packs and raising £145 at a very enjoyable coffee morning, thank you again for all your support.
• St Chad’s Church in Coseley for collecting toiletries and purchasing us some smart new bedding for the refurbished self contained flats at refuge, they do look lovely thank you.
• Earl’s High School, Halesowen have supported for a few years now raising £765.22 from various activities, thank you the all the pupils, parents and staff for assisting us again.
• Lady of Lourdes in Kingswinford held fundraising activities raising £200 from the congregation to be used for welcome pack items, well done ladies.
• Providence Methodist Church, J Club another £20, thank you.
• St Andrews URC Wall Heath enjoyed a workshop and gave us £20 and toiletries thank you for a great evening.
• The Inner Wheel Halesowen has supported the refuges since we first began and has raised another £100 – you are fantastic thank you.
• Halesowen Lodge Brethren have again raised £123 to support our work, thank you
• Amblecote & Wordsley Methodist Church received a workshop and had been tirelessly raising money for our services along with donating a large amount of items for the welcome packs thank you so much.

                 

• Soroptimist International Stourbridge have long been a supporter and had wonderful fun raising another £644.24 for educational activities within the domestic abuse services, thank you- you wonderful women.
• Springs Church in Gornal – recent donations and their commitment to continue regular support along with offering volunteers.

To the organisers, volunteers and supporters, we salute and recognise you as it can be a challenge pulling everything and everyone together- Liz & Chris, Val, Mary, Margaret, Eileen, Jane, Madeline, Christina, and the Brethren, special thanks and keep up the good work.

To the participants thank you for buying raffle tickets, coffees, being press ganged into supporting your groups and for believing in community spirit, helping others and taking steps towards eliminating domestic abuse from our society. You make such a difference to others.

We always welcome enquiries from the community to hear more about our work, maybe becoming the ‘go to person’ domestic abuse champion within their group or business.

If you would like to find out more or are interested in hearing about our work please contact Karen for more information 01384 456465 karen.turnock@chadd.org.uk

Posted and written by Karen Turnock, CHADD Special Projects Officer.

Faces of CHADD

Ally* is a resident out our women’s refuge, She’s the latest contributor to #FACESofCHADD

“My English isn’t very good sorry. Denise was the first person I met when I came here for the first time, she helped me carry my bags and helped me find food for the children, I have 2 children they are here with me.

All the staff are friendly and helpful but Denise is most the helpful for me, sometimes I …am upset and crying but she helps me be strong. I cry a lot when I talk about what happened to me. I can’t talk about it but I have made friends, we swapped telephone numbers so we can stay in touch.

I hope that I continue to be good and cry less, when I get a house I will be happy and I hope my son will be happy and I can start studying. I hope everything will be fine.”

*Not her real name.