hope for the homeless
June 2010
READING HOMELESS FIND HOPE IN THEIR LIVES THANKS TO A CREATIVE ARTS PROJECT.
Last workshop on Tuesday 15th June
Fifty of Reading’s homeless have boosted their self esteem and taken a step towards a better life by taking part in a series of creative arts workshops.
It’s the fruit of a £8,700 award from Awards for All to the Berkshire based Pilgrim Hearts Trust and the Churches in Reading Drop-In Centre (“CIRDIC”) to fund the workshops at the drop-in centre. The centre provides food, clothes, showers and offers referrals to legal and housing advice organisations. Over the past twelve weeks it also offered the arts workshops with the aim of giving hope to the homeless. The project, called ‘Have you a story to tell?’ ends on 15th June.
Elaine Chalmers-Brown, Project Manager for the Pilgrim Hearts Trust, has got to know the drop-in centre guests on first name terms and this has helped her connect with them “There’s a lot of broken heartedness among Reading’s homeless” says Elaine, “some have battled with addiction and their children have been taken into care. Many are rootless; not actually homeless, but they walk the streets with a sense of restlessness”.
The workshops have helped Reading’s homeless express themselves through Photography, Poetry, Film Making, Song Writing, Music and Drama.
As the workshops draw to close, guests have commented that “there is now a community spirit which has brought everyone closer to together. The workshops have given a voice for people who are normally quiet. Some have got up and sung and taken part in the other arts activities; something they would not have done otherwise”. Guests felt that “other people are getting alongside us and we’re being listened to. This has meant a lot to us”. One girl found that she really loved photography and she has taken it up as a hobby.
For all the guests there has been a realisation that they can do more than just sit there when they come to the drop-in centre. CIRDIC manager, Mabel Boyd, has noticed the transformation. “Before the project began guests would just turn up and do nothing, many had got into a rut. Now, through the arts, they have re-discovered their past achievements and this has inspired their confidence. It’s as though, suddenly, someone has come along and switched a light on in their lives and treated them with respect”. Mabel Boyd hopes that the work can be continued, if funding can be found. Guests have discovered a new confidence to move on in their lives. It would be good to carry on the work.
News Update
View a short clip from the video
Contact:
Pilgrim Hearts Trust: Elaine Chalmers-Brown 01344 307030 mobile 07977 101606 www.pilgrimhearts.org.uk pilgrim.hearts@googlemail.com
The Churches in Reading Drop-In Centre is at St Saviour’s Church Hall, Berkeley Avenue, Reading RG1 6JT (0118) 950 2536.
Editors' Notes:
Pilgrim Hearts is there to assist those on the edge and those who, for whatever reason, are not able to benefit from all of life's opportunities. We are a Christian organisation devoted to helping marginalised people, and those with disabilities, from all walks of life and from all backgrounds, races, and religions to reach their full potential and to explore their gifting and worth through the use of the creative arts. We provide assistance to other organisations and community groups both in the voluntary and public sector.
The Churches in Reading Drop-In Centre (“CIRDIC”) is a registered charity established in 1990 by Churches Together in Reading to help the homeless and needy in the Reading area.
Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All aims to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need
NEWS
Spring News letter
We are moving on with three new projects..
..read more New co-operation with homeless charities.
Pilgrim Hearts will join forces with Trinity Housing in Uxbridge and Slough Homeless Our Concern (“SHOC”) in Slough. We plan to offer arts workshops to clients of Trinity and SHOC working closely with these two charities. Pilgrim Hearts Director, Elaine Chalmers-Brown says “Our workshops will offer the homeless in Slough and Uxbridge the chance to discover their creative talents and so increase their self esteem. We will also train them in the social and communication skills they need to give them a better chance to find work and turn their lives around.” It’s hoped that, if the workshops go well Pilgrim Hearts could work in closer partnership with SHOC and TRINITY.
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