Cheerleading is for Life, Not Just Half-Marathons!
I think cheerleaders get a hard time! I think I have been a bit snooty about people cheerleading - shouting, cajoling, ringing bells, clapping clapper-boards and generally being super-exuberant at public events. Having run 13 miles around Newcastle in the Great North Run, and then the same up and down the beach at the Bournemouth Half, it’s time to
Blandford Food Bank+ Expands to Launch Nourish – a Community Larder and Food Bank
From a small Food Bank to a large, thriving community hub, Blandford Food Bank+ has grown over it’s 11 years. Following a recent refurbishment the Food Bank has now expanded to include a larger café area, a community larder and more. The Community Larder is for those who are are finding regular food shops unaffordable and need a little
10 Years as Faithworks CEO: Ice buckets, the Unexpected & Simple Grace
“I have never written a budget before in between a comics emporium and a New Age shop.” – Alistair Doxat-Purser, CEO In my first week of working for Faithworks as the new CEO in June 2013, we sat in a cramped and slightly mouldy couple of rooms for a team meeting, discussing the fact that the building
Volunteers’ Week: 1 – 7 June 2023
“You are the lifeblood of all that we do” – Alistair Doxat-Purser, CEO 285 volunteers enable us to run 5 Food Banks, our CMA debt advice and budget service, SMILE lone parent families project and support for those moving on from homelessness, addiction and prison via our Arch programme. Many of you who give your time have
Easter Holidays Free or Low Cost Activities
As spring is fighting its way through the wintry weather, the Easter holidays are rapidly appearing on the horizon. We have therefore put together another list of free or very low cost activities which will help you to enjoy the Easter Holidays without the stress of adding too much to the budget. Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) The
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
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.
Mike’s Story – Volunteering with Faithworks CMA
Mike first heard about Faithworks CMA at a Rotary Club meeting. Through many years’ involvement with SSAFA (the armed forces charity), he had met many soldiers and their families in severe debt but had felt unable to do anything about it. Mike explained: “I thought volunteering for Faithworks CMA would be the ideal opportunity to find out about the
Faithworks CMA Annual Review
“Going to Faithworks was the best thing - I cannot believe all the help I have been given from sorting out my debt, to getting me help when I moved to pay the rent, for the purchasing of my freezer.” The CMA Annual Review is hot off the press! The last year has seen the largest number of volunteers trained
Mick’s Story
“I feel much more hopeful for the future” Four years ago, having undergone an amputation, Mick expected his life to improve. However, he realised that other things were not right. Mick said: “Before I had my amputation I was suicidal. When I had my amputation I thought those thoughts would go away, they didn’t. I had no money and didn’t
