Off The Fence Trust is a Brighton based registered charity founded on a Christian vision and driven by Christian values.
The charity provides vital services to the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community.
The charity works in the four areas of street homelessness, women at risk, education, and provides supported accommodation for vulnerable young people. Off The Fence staff are supported by an enthusiastic and committed group of more than 50 volunteers.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Update from Antifreeze - Mervyn Weeks
Weather forecasters tell us that spring is just around the corner, but it’s hard to believe, especially with temperatures barely rising above 5-6 degrees during the daytime, then dropping to minus figures during the night. The continued cold weather has been, and indeed is, a tremendous burden to many of the men and women we see who are sadly sleeping rough in Brighton and Hove, and many winter initiatives that were available to rough sleepers have now come to an end. However, Project Antifreeze recognises the continued need of those sleeping rough, and this is reflected by its continued evening outreach, supporting people where they are. This has been a truly challenging winter period with the weather being so cold, and yet it’s also been a winter when once again we’ve been able to offer many men and women support in practical, emotional and spiritual ways.
With the fantastic efforts of our outreach volunteers and all the assisted support of the men and women who prepare food and drink for us, we have been able to make a huge difference to many people’s lives. And the work continues. For some of the people we meet during the course of an evening’s outreach we are able to offer them further support during the daytime. Our shop in Hove is in constant use with people dropping in seeking our support. Recently we have been able to access accommodation (outside Brighton & Hove) for a few who have been long term street homeless. We have also assisted people into rehabilitation: places of care and support where once again they can reclaim their lives.
Just as we know that one day the weather will change, we know that through the Lord’s guidance our work will bring about a real change in peoples lives. But it’s work that requires support, both in prayer and thorough donations. If you would like to help us continue to make a real difference in the lives of those we meet then please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
With the fantastic efforts of our outreach volunteers and all the assisted support of the men and women who prepare food and drink for us, we have been able to make a huge difference to many people’s lives. And the work continues. For some of the people we meet during the course of an evening’s outreach we are able to offer them further support during the daytime. Our shop in Hove is in constant use with people dropping in seeking our support. Recently we have been able to access accommodation (outside Brighton & Hove) for a few who have been long term street homeless. We have also assisted people into rehabilitation: places of care and support where once again they can reclaim their lives.
Just as we know that one day the weather will change, we know that through the Lord’s guidance our work will bring about a real change in peoples lives. But it’s work that requires support, both in prayer and thorough donations. If you would like to help us continue to make a real difference in the lives of those we meet then please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
Enjoy the Spring
Mervyn Weeks
Homeless Manager for Off The Fence Trust
posted by Charlotte Overton-Hart @ 10:08 AM
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Women at Risk Project - Jenni Hayward
Women at Risk is not just a counselling service, but we also have workers and volunteers that are ready to get involved in providing practical support where needed.
At present we visit about thirty women, whose ages range from early twenties to sixties, and who have a variety of issues. Some older women are lonely and we meet to chat and have coffee once every couple of weeks. We have some young single mothers who need practical support and sometimes advice. There are quite a few women who have mental health problems, and again they need emotional support or a listening ear – and just occasionally someone to sit with them for company.
Some of our older women find it difficult to get out alone and shopping is just one of the practical ways in which we can help. Although it may not seem that we are doing anything special, it is an essential service for them which they greatly appreciate.
Occasionally we have the pleasure of taking some single mothers swimming, especially one mother who has twins and that is great fun. At other times we may be helping people to budget, cook nutritious meals or more practical and time consuming activities such as moving house, which we are doing at the moment.
Whatever we do, we meet lots of people and are able to lighten their particular burden in a way that is helpful to them. Sometimes great fun and at other times hard work but always worthwhile to the women we serve.
Jenni
posted by Robert Lines @ 4:41 PM
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Paul Young
Paul is continuing to recover, but at a rather slow pace. He is currently back in hospital for a few days whilst tests are being carried out to check his kidney and liver functions. Thank you all for your ongoing prayers.
posted by Robert Lines @ 10:36 AM
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Schools Work - Adele Waller
This month has seen the appointment of our new part-time schoolsworker Mary-Anne Weaver.
Mary-Anne already has a year’s experience of working in the schools in our city so its very exciting to welcome her on to the team.
We are now able to look at expanding the schools work and initially we are looking at possible opportunities in Longhill School and Newman Sixth Form College. We are also hoping to be able to offer the Wise Up Programme (PSE issues from a Christian viewpoint specifically for girls) to schools in the city.
Work at Blatchington Mill Sixth form is also expanding with the introduction of a fortnightly prayer opportunity for students as well as the weekly CU meetings.
Watch this space for more news as plans develop and take shape.
Mary-Anne already has a year’s experience of working in the schools in our city so its very exciting to welcome her on to the team.
We are now able to look at expanding the schools work and initially we are looking at possible opportunities in Longhill School and Newman Sixth Form College. We are also hoping to be able to offer the Wise Up Programme (PSE issues from a Christian viewpoint specifically for girls) to schools in the city.
Work at Blatchington Mill Sixth form is also expanding with the introduction of a fortnightly prayer opportunity for students as well as the weekly CU meetings.
Watch this space for more news as plans develop and take shape.
posted by Robert Lines @ 2:55 PM
