The last six months have been exciting as always when one is involved with YWAF, here are a highlight of some of the things we have been up to and a brilliant idea for generating more funds – we as a committee hope you approve:
Gracie’s finest trip to Riverside tenants Association, Liverpool
In May we helped to provide funds for a group of residents from Grace Harris House visit the Tenants resource centre in Liverpool here is what one of them said:
Sam, Mark, Nikita, Gina and Darren, along with support workers Mark and Nathan made the arduous journey up the M5 on the morning of Thursday 3rd May. The plan was to spend 2 days and a night in Liverpool taking in the sights and attending the Riverside tenant’s association meeting.
On arrival legs were stretched, bags dumped in rooms and everyone rushing around checking out who had the biggest room and who had a bath or shower in their en-suite. After a brief respite they journeyed further in to the heart of Liverpool, to the Albert Docks, climbing aboard the Yellow Duck, an amphibious D-Day landing craft giving all a taste of Liverpool on land and water. A bite to eat and a game of bowls ended the day’s activities.
The Hotel although near the centre of Liverpool was set back from the road in a acre and a half of it’s own grounds, it was nice to sit on the grass and have a chat about the day as the sun set. The great thing about Hotels is the full English breakfast and not having to do any washing up! Darren managed 2 full breakfasts, a couple of French pastries and several rounds of toast, and Sam was not very far behind.
Fed, watered and rested Gracie’s finest checked out of the Hotel ready to check in with the Riverside tenants Association.
From the moment everyone entered the building they were made most welcome. The tenants from Gracie found themselves representing the younger end of the diverse group that made up the tenants association. It was great to connect with others within Riverside, exchanging ideas and information and letting others know what a safe and supportive housing scheme Grace Harris House is. On top of that there were games, goody bags and more French pastries!
A stop off in Cheshire for everyone to try their hand at archery then on the M5 back to sunny Somerset.
A fantastic time had by all!!
"It was really good, I enjoyed it. Have never been to Liverpool before, so it was a good opportunity."Nikita.
"I enjoyed the hotel because it had comfortable beds and I enjoyed having 2 full plates of fried breakfast."Darren.
In June a group went to Glasto here is what Jackie from the committee said about it:
For me, the highlight of this year has definitely been our involvement at Glastonbury Festival. We were invited, at very short notice to put a stewarding team of 36 together; this included a team of 13 (residents, staff and friends) from Grace Harris House – in spite of the mud, rain, noise etc – it was BRILLIANT. Please find below part of the Grace Harris House report:
The week went well for all involved. The young people at Grace Harris House had an enjoyable experience, as did the staff and the members from Youth With A Future. The tenants commented that it was a good experience but muddy and wet! It was, however made fun by the people and the atmosphere was great.
The festival organisers were pleased with the levels of commitment and commented that the team provided a star quality service and have invited them to return next year.
As a result of the weeks work £3000 was raised for Youth With A Future who were impressed with the levels of hard work, enthusiasm and team spirit.
This has proved to be another success in the partnership between Grace Harris House and Youth With A Future and will hopefully encourage further working between the two agencies and overall improve the levels of support to local young people.
Hats off to everyone who was involved:
The week was a great success – and all in the rain and mud!
Alongside that YWAF has supported a couple who have "moved on" with the purchase of a washing machine and tumble dryer, one of whom not only was homeless but also is physically handicapped (a double whammy)’ we wish them every success in their new home and life off the streets.
We trust that you are happy with what we are doing with your money and ask you to look favourably at our new idea for fund raising:
The YWAF Committee is always trying to think of new and original ways to raise funds.
A recent article by the Royal Mail has estimated that a whopping 6.5 billion pennies are out of circulation – missing, presumed down the backs of our sofas or in some other dark, forgotten places. £65 million of lost pennies, that’s about £1 per person in the UK.
Bearing this in mind, it was thought that a fun, simple and participative way of raising some funds for YWAF would be to ask individuals or families to collect copper pennies and two pennies in jam jars or plastic containers. This could be by means of a one-off exercise – by, say, having a copper hunt in your house or car - or by simply saving spare pennies and two pennies over a period of time.
Either way, the collection of these small coins could prove a bit of a copper mine for YWAF! Also, of course, a means of enabling the Royal Mint to get some of its lost pennies back.
So, please do participate in YWAF’s ‘Every Penny Counts’, which we are running until Christmas. Just save any of your loose copper pennies and two pennies in a jar or container.
When you are ready to donate to YWAF, please either hand across to Lis Treby at the St Peter and St Pauls church Parish Office, Shepton Mallet, or contact Nick May (YWAF Treasurer) direct on and he will arrange to collect.
We can count your pennies and two pennies before presentation to the bank.
If you are a taxpayer, please also consider Gift Aiding your donation, as YWAF will be able to claim back a further 28% from the Inland Revenue. Nick can provide the necessary form upon request.
You can be sure that every penny donation to YWAF will count and contribute to its important work with young people in the Mendip area.
Yes, its coming up to that time of year again and following the success of last year's Fayre we have decided to do it all again.
Any donations of the following would be wonderful: Quality items to sell (bric a brac, books, toys etc. NOT CLOTHES), drinks - alcoholic or non-alcoholic, jars full of sweets (or empty jars), Christmas crafts and decorations and anything else you can think of.
Tables can also be booked to sell your own goods at a cost of £10 private traders (free for charities).
Please contact Jackie Garbett.
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The residents of Grace Harris House and Y.W.A.F. invite you to our:
To be held at: Peter Street Rooms, Peter Street, Shepton Mallet. Saturday 24th November – 11am to 4pm Fun and games for all the family, a chance to buy last minute presents and a special visit from Father Christmas.
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A note for your diary: The YWAF AGM is planned for Monday 21st April in Peter Street Rooms; we look forward to seeing you all there.
We would welcome any suggestions and comments.
Contact details for more information:
YWAF c/o The Secretary, The Parish Office, The Bread Rooms, Church Lane, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5LE
YWAF is a registered Charity number 1094485
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PROCEEDS TO YOUTH WITH A FUTURE