February Half-term – free or low cost kids activities in Dorset
“What are we doing today?” is often the question dreaded by parents in the school holidays. With the double challenge of finding entertainment that doesn’t break the budget, we are well aware that the February half-term may feel daunting. From coding, building a bug hotel to a free family film club - we have put together a list
CFB Community Meal – More Than Just A Winter Warm Space
“The Christmas meal was amazing, the atmosphere with the carols singers was wonderful, I didn't want to leave!” – attendee at Christchurch Food Bank+ Community Meal Warm Welcome Spaces have been springing up all over the place at churches, libraries and community spaces across the UK. Food Bank+, supported by Faithworks, have been running a variety of warm spaces
Banish Blue Monday with top tips and resources from Faithworks CMA team
Blue Monday - i.e. the day the credit card bills arrive after Christmas. Combined with the January weather and short daylight hours, it's not surprising the third Monday of January gained this nickname. At Faithworks we believe there is always hope and taking practical steps to address debt and managing money more effectively can enable a sense of calm
Winter Support for those Rough Sleeping
The perils of sleeping rough are very real all year round. But at this time of year with sub-zero temperatures, wind and rain, the work of the local Homelessness Partnership BCP comes into full focus. Faithworks is a founder member of this Partnership and Alistair, their CEO, chairs the Partnership forum. As Christmas approaches people often enquire about what
Louie’s Story: Faithworks Recovery – a Completely Different Person
“I’ve been clean nearly 7 years. If I look back at myself it’s like I am a completely different person now. I used to sell drugs to people - I actually got into drugs because I got told by police, when coming in to school, this will kill you." Louie became involved with Faithworks Recovery in 2019 when he
Greg’s Story: Faithworks Recovery – Hope in a Better Future
“One day you will go on to help someone. Don’t think you are defined by your actions.” - Faithworks Recovery. Thrown out of the family home at the age of 16, Greg had to fend for himself. He explained: “I moved from place to place, got in with all the wrong crowd - to where I am now, I
Dorset Chamber of Commerce Make Faithworks it’s Christmas charity
Back in the Autumn, Ian Girling, the CEO of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce, approached Alistair the Faithworks CEO, about creating a Festive Food Bank at their Christmas gathering in December. Given the enormous financial challenges facing so many people this year, this felt like a way of bringing good news into a bad situation. And the idea captured
We’re Here Network and Warm Welcome Spaces
“Warm spaces” is fast becoming a theme this winter. Two older ladies recently came along to the first Warm Space meal at Wimborne Elim church run in conjunction with the Wimborne Food Bank+ team. They had never met before but hit it off to such an extent that one of them said: “Had an amazing afternoon and the meal
Becky’s Story – Working with Faithworks CMA
“It is a real privilege to be able to do this job.” “I’ve always had a heart for people who are struggling with their money. Last year I applied to be a volunteer with CMA, and during the application process a paid role became available. It was exactly what I wanted. I applied and have loved it ever since.
Help Us Restock the Storehouse
Imagine living in a B&B; it’s better than sleeping on the streets, and it is a little less isolated. However, it is not the same as having your own home. When more secure accommodation is found, it can still be a very bare space and feel very impersonal, this can impact on self-worth and motivation to keep moving forward.
