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.
Friday, July 27, 2007
OTF Supporter nominated 'Outstanding Brightonian'
Congratulations Martin Webb!
The team at Off The Fence was delighted to read that one of our long term supporters has been nominated for the award of 'Outstanding Brightonian'. Quoting from the article is in this month's Sussex Life magazine,
'Another Ambassador of goodwill and receiving nomination is Martin Webb, a businessman who is a true Brighton success story. Currently presenter of Channel 4 television programme, Risking It All, Martin, a University of Brighton business graduate student, made a name for himself as founder of the C-Side chain of pubs in the 1990s. After selling his shares in the company Martin went on to become one of the greatest benefactors to local charities.'
posted by Robert Lines @ 12:04 PM
Paul meets up with early mentor
George Verwer, the Founder and former International Director of Operation Mobilisation, recently celebrated 50 years of the mission organisation's ministry.
Off The Fence and Operation Mobilsation have enjoyed a long and close relationship. Paul and Wendy met while serving on one of their ships and were inspired to set up Off The Fence. Operation Mobilsation helped to lay the foundations and vision for the charity and since those early days George has provided real friendship and support. George says,
“Off The Fence is a grassroots, cutting edge ministry that deserves our prayer and support”.
posted by Robert Lines @ 8:23 AM
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Gift from Robin Hood
'The Robin Hood', a Brighton pub, has raised a wonderful £1,000 for Off The Fence.
This pub is not like other pubs. Set up in 2004, by Martin Webb - a local entrepreneur and star of Channel 4's 'Risking it All' - this pub gives all its annual profits to good causes in Brighton and Hove.
Pictured left is James Webb from Off The Fence thanking the Manager, Anna Henderson (on right), and Assistant Manager, Jenny Sanderson (in middle) - for organising a special charity night at The Robin Hood on Saturday 23 June 2007. Three local charities benefited including Off The Fence.
So, next time you go out for a drink or meal, do visit the Robin Hood Pub and help raise money for charity (3 Norfolk Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PF).
posted by James Webb @ 3:53 PM
Antifreeze Project Update
Off The Fence Trust has recently celebrated 10 years of being a registered charity. As we celebrated, we also recalled certain landmark events in the charity's history, different people who have supported us and worked for us to bring the charity to the place where we're at today. In the Old Testament, God constantly reminded His people that He had brought them up out of slavery in Egypt and set them in a good and Promised Land, making them into a great nation.
During our celebrations I was led to reflect on the many people we've seen in the course of our street outreach work on project Antifreeze, and the people who daily access the Antifreeze Centre. Many people have endured years of being in slavery themselves: the sort of slavery that holds people in addiction, homelessness, of being rejected in many cases by friends, family and society in general. These things can take many years to break free from; there are no quick-fix answers or solutions. At Off The Fence we've invested many hours in offering support to those we see. For some, the time invested has resulted in accommodation, for others it's been rehabilitation, yet others it's just having someone who's prepared to listen.
I feel very privileged that God had led so many people to our organistaion and allowed us to have an input into their lives and hopefully set them on a pathway towards a new and promised life.
Mervyn Weeks, Antifreeze Project Leader
posted by Rachel Munt @ 12:54 PM
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Celebrating Off The Fence at The Palace
Paul and Wendy Young recently had the privilege of attending a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
They write, "It was a lovely day and a great honour to be invited. Military bands were playing as we sipped homemade lemonade, munched on cocktail sandwiches and mini pastries. It was a bit surreal walking around the Palace gardens, seeing celebrities, Lords and Baronesses including Margaret Thatcher. Later in the afternoon, we were able to spend some time inside the Palace. It was hard to take it all in! It was a great day and a wonderful acknowledgement of all that Off The Fence has achieved over the past 10 years".
posted by James Webb @ 2:50 PM
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Swimming Gala 2007
As part of the celebrations for our 10 year anniversary, we are pleased to announce an exciting event: The Off The Fence Swim Gala 2007. The event will take place at King Alfred Leisure Centre swimming pool on Saturday 29th September from 6pm to 8pm. During this time, we will have exclusive use of the facilities. There should be plenty of room for everyone, and tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Come along as an individual (£5 each) or as a family (£10 per family) to have fun in the pool, or raise sponsorship by swimming lengths.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please contact the office 01273 733732 asap to reserve yours, or email Rachel (rachel.munt@offthefence.org.uk).
Click here for more info.
posted by Rachel Munt @ 1:50 PM
Monday, July 23, 2007
Website revamp
Why not take a fresh look through the recently updated Off The Fence website. There's plenty to read about our work with the homeless and disadvantaged in Brighton and Hove. Plus you can find out more about how you can be involved.
Our latest 'Impact Report' and Newsletter can be read and printed - just see under 'Further Information'
If you would like to support the charity, there's all the current news on the various ways you can get involved. You can sign up for our Swimming Gala, find out how to leave a gift in your will, join our recycling scheme and much more.
Work on our website is still in progress so if you spot anything that's not quite right or that we've left out, please write to james.webb@offthefence.org.uk or call the office on 01273 733 732. And if you or your business or organisation could add a link on your website to Off The Fence we'd be very grateful!
posted by James Webb @ 11:07 AM
