Stockton won the Connie Dawson Plate which is awarded by Regional President Martha who chose Stockton because of the frequency of our Programme Focus Reporting during the year and the fact that we have supported the Food Bank, Refugees, New Start Bags etc. consistently throughout the year.
Two members delivered more bedding and household items to the Purple Rose drop-in centre. The items will be used by asylum seekers and refugees and our donations enable funds to be used for other items.
Eight emergency New Start bags were handed over to a member of the Cleveland Police Complex Exploitation Team. The bags will be used for victims of trafficking, modern day slavery or child safeguarding.
Sue Scott chaired the meeting and introduced the speaker Joanne Horner, Managing Director of Lakota Training Group and her partner, Jackie Bedingfield. Lakota help long term unemployed by establishing groups, arts and crafts, friendship groups, group therapy, giving confidence and helping 50% of their clients into work.
Some members had a tour around the garden centre in Stockton run by Shaw Trust, followed by coffee and excellent scones. Shaw Trust is a social enterprise and charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism.
Good quality second hand bedding and clothing was delivered to the Purple Rose drop-in centre.
Sue S and Sue M delivering July’s donation to the Trussell Trust food bank at Billingham
Our member, Julie, has been busy making hygiene bags for the Meserani Project. They have now arrived in Tanzania and have been distributed.
Julie and Sue delivering items to the Stockton and Billingham food bank
