Autumn Update 2021 Kingdom Way Trust |
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Amazing Unexpected Opportunity |
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It came during our search for a new venue for a Weekend Drop-in after the centre we had used pre-covid was no longer available. The Trustees of the Eastbourne Christian Resource Centre responded offering the potential use of their building. As discussions continued with the news that they had decided to close the bookshop in January 2022, the offer came for Kingdom Way Trust to take over responsibility for the whole property. |
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In addition to being an ideal location for the drop-in, there are already many ideas of other activities that could take place there and we’re sure more will become apparent. Bob Clark, Chair of the ECR Trustees said; “We are excited to be able to 'hand on the baton' to Kingdom Way Trust, in the progression of Christian ministry from the Christian Resource Centre premises, after so many fruitful years. Their vision for building God's Kingdom is the same as ours - one life at a time”. For more details of the agreement between the Eastbourne Christian Resources and Kingdom Way Trust you can read the Press Release here. |
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The bookshop will be working towards its closure at the end of January 2022. Any customers for their remaining stock would be very welcome! Weekend Drop-in venue The property on Seaside should be a very good venue when it becomes available from February next year, but we continue to look for a suitable temporary option for the winter months. Any offers welcome! The weekday centres at Matthew25 and the Salvation Army have restarted and it would be good to have somewhere available at weekends again, especially as the weather deteriorates. |
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Winter Emergency Accommodation - What next? |
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Many have been asking whether there will be a Winter Night Shelter this year. Whilst on the advice of Public Health and Homeless Link, they are not recommended it appears that there will be a need for some type of emergency accommodation again this year. |
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The single rooms provided by the council for rough sleepers last winter have remained available throughout the year. However, the eligibility to access them has now changed. Those who are rough sleeping who don’t have a local connection or have been evicted from previous accommodation or are from another country are unlikely to be housed. We are in contact with the council, Rough Sleepers Initiative and other groups to discuss a feasible alternative which we will communicate as soon as we have more details. |
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Volunteers have continued to prepare meals and cakes that have been delivered twice a week to the three properties housing former rough sleepers. In addition to the food, it is the doorstep contact and friendship that has been much appreciated during the visits. Read more from one of our supervisors here. The fact that it’s far more than a room and a meal that our friends need is highlighted in a very poignant blog post about the importance of friendship and community. Read the blog post here. |
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Our work supporting residents at The Bridge and our Hope into Action properties has continued throughout the year. We are thankful to God for all those we are able to walk alongside on their varying journeys. Read one volunteer's experience here. |
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The atmosphere at The Bridge has been very positive and a number of residents have occupied their time well with volunteering, part-time work and study. Some have attended an Alpha course. |
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At Hope into Action we've had quite a bit of movement of residents: Some moving on to new housing and others moving in to take their place. To read the story of one resident who has recently moved on visit here. |
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After some months with very reduced numbers of volunteer supervisors and trainees in the workshop, in the last few weeks it has felt like a hive of activity. It has been great to welcome new supervisors and have new trainees as well as some returning to us having joined pre-covid. |
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There is a combination of training and production. They're making chairs and other items to sell (see our Etsy Site here), parts for other businesses and special orders for customers. |
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There's still plenty of opportunity to get involved. So please contact Ray if you are interested. Ray@hopewoodwork.co.uk 07546 256411 |
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Thanks for your interest and support. The Kingdom Way Trust team Please feel free to get in touch via the website or our Facebook page or by responding to this email. |
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Keep up to date on Facebook and through our blog posts Kingdom Way Trust has its own Facebook page in addition to our Blog posts, where you will be able to keep up to date with latest news, stories and relevant information. If you have an account, please visit, like and share the page: www.facebook.com/KingdomWayTrust |
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