bottle top
Background
This project has evolved from our work with people attending the centres provided for the relief of the homeless and poor. We are a group of Christians and we only employ people whose work we know of so that by example we can get alongside and mentor those with burdens and problems. This has had very good results in terms of getting people to move on and to realise that they have useful talents and can be part of society rather than remaining marginalised.
What is needed is an ongoing project that can be of assistance to many people making big or small contributions and then realising that they are working as a team to achieve something worthwhile and enjoyable. This we see as the key to getting some of the more able and healed to return to useful employment and for others to become more self reliant and part of society. Some have mental health problems which respond well to being part of a caring and nurturing group activity or more personal assistance and mentoring.
We specialise in using the Arts in all their forms. For example painting, photography, filming, drama, writing, music are used by Pilgrim Hearts and often when working in partnership with other organisations. Previous projects have worked with recovering drug addicts and they have made films about their lives and have produced workbooks for use by groups to explore the dangers and harm that comes from such self abuse. Other projects have worked with the homeless and those fleeing from abusive relationships and we have seen the enormous progress made by the participants.
Bottle Top refers to the humble bottle top which holds the contents in place and has great value though is seen as expendable. Without it the product is of little use. It is lifting the lid on creative skills.
The Project
This involves the setting up of Social Enterprise Group in the Thames Valley, mainly in Reading, Wokingham and Slough, but it is intended to expand as and when possible. The funding is needed to set up this project and initiate an opening cycle leading to a public performance. It is envisaged that a touring group of people will emerge from this and in time be able to cascade their skills and advice to others who come after.
The project will recruit people from those who frequent the Churches in Reading Drop in Centre, and the Churches in Reading Women’s Centre as well as other community groups.
Those taking part will take a series of 8 week training courses in Theatre and Arts performance related activities until they are ready to progress to further 8 week course to prepare a play or work for public performance. The staffing will be by our core team plus professional actors to lead the main roles and assist in master classes beforehand.
These courses are designed to enhance the social skills and life skill of those participating and are a natural follow on from our current and previous work with those on the edge. It is all designed to show by example how to carry out.
It is not intended to own any buildings but rather to use existing facilities which are available to us from our ongoing partnership with other charity organisations... The project will involve the participants in all aspects of setting up and running this enterprise as this in itself provides many opportunities for people to regain non-existent or rusty skills as part of their overall progress to a more rewarding existence. It is not about us doing this but them owning it and doing it themselves and assisting others to join in and move forward with the group.
It is intended to provide useful outlets for many and to assist some to regain their rightful place in society.
The budget is a basic start-up budget intended to commence the project however further funding will be necessary to keep the project continuing as revenue from performances will at first be low in relation to running costs.
However it is an extremely cost effective way of working as well as being essentially Christian in its ethos and people orientated.
D.Chalmers-Brown - Chairman of Trustees
NEWS
Autumn News letter
The last six months have been a busy time for all of us and we have achieved a great deal..
..read morePilgrim Hearts and CIRWC start a new project
This project extends our work with women attending the day centre.
As part of this project a website will be set up and run by the volunteers for CIRWC. The course will provide encouragement and develop the necessary skills required to run such a website.
This project will be of assistance to many women of all ages and backgrounds using big or small contributions and working as a team to achieve something worthwhile and enjoyable. This we see as a key to healing and increased self reliance enabling them to regain their rightful place in society.
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