Advance Credit Union

I am on the Board of Directors of this thriving financial not-for-profit co-operative, which is ‘owned’ by the 5,000 members who save and borrow with the credit union. It gives access to affordable borrowing and encourages saving amongst sectors of the community that are usually ignored by the commercial banking sector. Anyone who lives or works within a ‘B’ postcode is welcome to join.

Learn more about Advance Credit Union

Manacare Foundation

The organisation, formed by Joy Butler Markham in 1994, seeks to meet the needs of those individuals most neglected by society, such as children, the elderly and the physically challenged. Our current project is in Sri Lanka was set up in 2004 immediately after the tsunami. Our Hopes and Dreams Village provides education, physiotherapy and social care to physically challenged adults and children. We also teach vocational skills and provide employment to the local community through our housemaid training courses and handicraft workshop.

I have enjoyed contributing to fundraising and in general support and encouragement to Joy, who does a remarkable job with very little funding.

I very much enjoy working with this lovely charity and have had the tremendous joy of visiting in person. This really is my “ happy place”!

Find out more about Manacare

Divorce Recovery Workshop

I am a facilitator with the Sutton Coldfield branch of this national charity which operates from the premises of Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church and attracts people from all over the West Midlands. We run a 6-week (6 consecutive evenings) programme to help those who are coming to terms with the breakdown of a marriage or other long-term relationship.

The workshop in Sutton Coldfield started in January 2005 and since then we have been typically running 2 courses per year over the last 15 years, in which now over 250 people have been helped on their way to recovery.

Everyone helping on the course has been through the process of divorce or separation and has participated in one of our workshops.

We are constantly amazed to see the positive changes in people as they progress through the workshop. This happens as attendees realize that they are no longer alone but in the company of people who truly empathize with their situation without judging.

We see many new friendships formed and people being supported well after the workshop has finished.

Find out more about DRW

Food Bank (Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church)

I currently serve part time behind the counter of this busy church food bank which we currently estimate to feed over 150 people in need of emergency help each week.

It is a real privilege to be able to offer compassion without judgement to people at a very low point in their life.

Although food is the main focus of our activity, we also seek to provide advice, support and friendship to this community.

Find out more about this Food Bank