MK money lifeline

Category: Community

Published Date

Debt is one of the main challenges facing increasing numbers within our community.  It can lead to stress, ill health, family breakdown, repossession of homes and suicide.  In 2008 St Mary's, Bletchley, linked with MK Money Lifeline, a free debt advice centre based in Acorn House, Central Milton Keynes.  Support also comes from the MK Community Foundation and Shenley Christian Fellowship.  Money Lifeline has a Christian ethos and actively seeks to work with local churches.
 

Advice is normally “face to face” appointments, although telephone support is available and self-help packs can be downloaded from the web site.  Money Lifeline will negotiate with creditors and establish regular and realistic repayments plans.  It offers a holistic and non-judgemental approach to enable lives to be transformed.

They can be contacted on:
0300 123 5198      or     01908 550630


Visit the website at www.mkmoneylifeline.org.uk

Food cupboard

Category: Community

Published Date

THE FOOD CUPBOARD MINISTRY AT SMB

“Providing practical help for people in need”

In the early 90s the Church family realised that there was a need for emergency short-term assistance for families who found themselves in acute distress and for whom the State benefit system could offer no immediate help. Their response was to organise a "Food Cupboard".

Basic food lists and suggested menus have been evolved to create two food packs: one which will feed a family of four for one week and one for a small family, eg a single mother and baby (with nappies and baby milk as required). All physical help is given freely.

We accept gifts of non-perishable food (preferably from our basic food list below): perishable goods to supplement each pack are purchased as required using Church funds, and very gratefully received monetary donations which can be gift aided.

All requests for food parcels are received from Children's Social Services. It is safe to say that over the years the Food Cupboard has become the prime unbiased source upon which these professional people call for emergency short-term support for families in need.

The Food Cupboard also supports the Women's Refuge (MK Act). This organisation provides a safe haven and shelter for women and their children who have suffered physical, mental and sexual abuse.

In 2012 we delivered 268 food parcels, providing practical help to 325 adults and 504 children, 112 being babies who were given additional support including nappies and baby food when needed. In addition to this, at Christmas, 50 hampers were delivered including at least 4 presents per person, many getting 5. The hampers helped 132 children and 81 adults to celebrate Christmas. A further 38 children and their mothers from the women's refuge received 2 presents each. This means that we wrapped over 1000 presents!

Some food-giving agencies will only work within certain land boundaries or with certain kinds of problems - and during office hours. We cover the area served by Milton Keynes Social Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year – hunger does not keep office hours.

Because financial resources are not limitless, the Food Cupboard restricts its giving to families with children and does so regardless of race, colour or creed – hunger is universal.

At Easter time we like to include chocolate Easter eggs for the children of the family with the food parcels.

Many schools in Milton Keynes very generously donate the proceeds of their Harvest Festival to the Food Cupboard.

The Bridge

Category: Community

Published Date

THE Bridge

Connecting with the community

April 2009 saw the start of a new ministry at St Maryʼs helping those in need in our community in a very practical way. The Bridge enables those who have good quality household items, baby/childrenʼs clothes & equipment to give to those in need. It can also help to co-ordinate decorating or gardening projects for those that want to give their time in that way.

Most of the individuals or families we support are referred to us by professional agencies such as Childrenʼs Social Services, PACT, Health Visitors or Sure Start Childrenʼs Centres.

What sort of things can I give?

Basically itʼs those things you need when youʼre setting up home:
• Beds (double & single)
• Crockery & cutlery
• Sofas (with fire safety labels)
• Microwave
• Chest of Drawers (all sizes)
• Fridge/freezer
• Table & chairs (small or folding)
• Wardrobes
• Duvets (double & single)
• Bed linen & towels
• Rugs
• Lamps

For babies and children:
• Cots/cot-beds
• Baby equipment
• Bedding
• High chairs
• Prams
• Pushchairs
• Toys

If you have items, money or time you wish to donate please speak to John Giles, Richard and Glenda Lyons or call The Bridge mobile phone on 07775 256558

Oasis

Category: Community

Published Date

OASIS

Oasis offers an opportunity for people who are retired or at home during the day to meet together.

We offer a varied programme of talks and activities, with plenty of time for a chat, a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. You can also opt to stay for a ‘soup and roll’ lunch at a modest cost. Although the majority of our members are older people, we welcome all ages.

Meetings

We usually meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month from 10.30 to 1.00 pm in St Mary’s Church, Church Green Road.

At most of our meetings we have a guest speaker – in 2011 we have had a talk on Nepal, a demonstration of wood-turning, a talk on the work of World Vision to mention just a few. Occasionally we have opportunities for members to share memories and talk about their own lives and most terms we have a social morning and quiz.

Outings

We occasionally have trips to local Garden centres and each summer a day trip is organized, usually to a cathedral city. Last year we visited Worcester and the Cotswold village of Broadway. Each August we have two coffee mornings at local houses. 

Celebrations

Each year we have an Easter celebration, while a highlight of the Autumn term is our Harvest celebration and free lunch. At Christmas we have an afternoon Carol Service and tea to which we invite residents from local care homes.

To contact Oasis or to arrange a lift please call the Church Office on 01908 366531.