PRACTICAL CARING HELP AVAILABLE - last updated 4th May 2024
We pray on a daily basis for people and situations. If you would like prayer let Rev Chris know
As well as prayer, there are a number of ways that we as a group of churches are trying to offer practical and caring help to the wider community, through friendship groups, craft groups, coffee mornings, a good neighbour scheme, collecting for local food banks and as a signpost to other local groups, shops and suppliers who offer shop to home deliveries. Rev Chris is also a trustee of several local charities that can help with small financial grants to those in desperate need and is always happy to help. Obviously we are also happy to pray for people when they are going through difficult and dark times in their lives or just be a listening ear if you want a confidential chat. Please do feel at ease to contact Rev Chris 01529 460904 if you need help, especially if you are new to the area.
FRIENDSHIP GROUPS
'Forget me not Teas' meets at St Andrew's Church on the first Monday afternoon of every month between 2pm and 4pm to enjoy an afternoon tea together. Anyone who is on their own regardless of age is welcome. It is free. It has been going for about 8 years now and has a lovely group of volunteers who serve and make the lovely cakes.
'Community Spirit' is our Good Neighbour Scheme with volunteers from church and the wider community who are happy to come and visit anyone who is lonely and perhaps housebound on a regular basis for a chat and a cuppa once a week or fortnight. Wonderful friendships have developed from the visits and it has given carers a chance to go out too. If you, a family member or someone you care for would like to find out more Rev Chris can arrange for Carol our care co-ordinator to visit and find out what you require and what help we can offer. All our volunteers are DBS checked and go on regular safeguarding courses.
CRAFT GROUPS
All our craft groups meet on a Tuesday and offer a warm welcome to others who want some company whilst they knit, sew or do other crafts. They usually have a cuppa during the session and friendships are soon built.
Swaton Craft Group meets at the Hut next to St Michael's Church from 9.30am to 12noon.
Heckington 'Sewing Together' meets at the Wesleyan Chapel, Eastgate in Heckington from 10.30 to 12noon.
Great Hale Craft Group meets in Great Hale Church between 1.30pm and 4pm.
DELIVERIES OF SUPPLIES FROM LOCAL SHOPS:
Now is the time to help save local businesses by shopping locally
Sylv's Cafe - Meals on Wheels service (01529 469111
Pop in Cafe Deliveries (07704 183856)
Windmill Shop general food supplies & fruit and veg deliveries (01529 461295)
Simpson's Butchers local deliveries (01529 460403)
Heckington Pet Supplies - deliveries (01529 460675)
Lunches available for delivery from The Nags Head pub in Heckington
FOOD BANKS & COMMUNITY LARDERS
A great big thank you to all who donated food and to our Church Warden Fiona Lightfoot who has been hand delivering over 300 food parcels for people in Helpringham during the pandemic. However thankfully due to the massive drop in demand this has now closed and all food has been collected by Sleaford Community Larder at New Life Church, Mareham Lane, Sleaford. They are still in need of food so if you can donate please do.
Easter Collections from churches at Scredington, Burton & Swaton
Many thanks to all in the Living Stones congregation who have collected food and goodies for the Community Larder at Sleaford during the recent Easter services at Scredington Burton & Swaton.
FINANCIAL HELP
There are local charities in most of our villages which were set up to offer help to local residents that are suffering hardship through no fault of their own. Financial support in the form of small one off grants etc are available during this pandemic when many people have been laid off work. Application forms are available and Trustees will consider each application quickly (1-2 days). You need to live within the parish boundaries of each particular village in order to qualify. The various contact details are listed below:
Heckington Relief in Need - John Collard 01529 660852.
Helpringham Relief in Need - Rev Chris Harrington 01529 460904
Scredington Relief in Need - Richard Johnson 01529 302095
Burton Pedwardine - Michael Coy 01529 469222
Citizens Advice help with forms etc - 08444 111444. The Advice Centre, Moneys Yard, Sleaford
HELP WITH MENTAL HEALTH
HOME SCHOOLING
Here are a few helpful websites:
BBC Bitesize - www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize Aligned to the national curriculum for all ages & subjects
BBC Live Lessons - www.bbc.co.uk/teach/live-lessons 30 to 40 minutes interactive lessons
Book Trust - www.booktrust.org.uk A whole host of free on-line books
Duolingo - www.duolingo.com An app that helps teach children how to read from age 3+
