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Homeless News 2008
20th May 2008 Nomad Trustee becomes Sheriff
One of the Nomad Trust's Trustees, and a very well known barber in Lincoln, Frank Connell, has become Sheriff of the City. Frank is well known for his charity fundraising alongside Joe Cooke as the Cooke/Connell fundraising team. Frank is an honorary Freeman of the City and along with his wife Liz, will now complete the new Civic Party, together with the new Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Ron and Mrs Sue Hills. Congratulations Frank (see picture below) from all at the Nomad Trust and thank you for your continued support for the work that you do for the homeless. You have certainly earned your place in this prestigious post.
May 2008 Fundraising Bowling Night
A joint fundraising night between the Nomad Trust and The Lincoln Lions Club was held this month, hopefully to raise much needed funds. Teams included staff and volunteers from the Nomad Trust for this 10 pin bowling competition at the Superbowl on Tritton Road in Lincoln. The team has been busy collecting sponsorship in the last few weeks with proceeds going towards the Lincoln Lions Club and the Nomad Trust. Well done and thank you to all who supported us. The total money raised is to be announced when all sponsorship is counted.
The Big Issue
Following the re-launch of the Big Issue at our October event, we continue to sell the Big Issue magazine to vendors. Badged up vendors purchase the Big Issue from us and then sell it on to the public for £1.50, thus ‘earning' a legitimate income and giving them the chance to help theirselves. Vendors have special jackets and badges and agree to the Big Issue code of conduct, with such rules regarding behaviour, authorised pitches and where they are allowed to sell. If you would like further information please contact us or visit the Big Issue website.
Nomad Football Team
The Nomad Trust now have their own football team! This is a fairly new ‘activity' aimed at the Service Users, ex Service Users and the Nomad Staff. The idea was to get a full team together to challenge other organisations in the area. Volunteers are now getting involved and any ex Service User, staff member or Volunteers are welcome to turn up at the Astro Turf on Sundays between 10am and 12.00 noon. ‘JJB' have offered to donate four footballs, some shin pads and goal keeper gloves and ‘Intersport' have also offered us some shirts. However, we would really appreciate any public donations of equipment as well. All donations should be sent to the Nomad Trust (address) and any donations are most gratefully appreciated. Lincoln City Football Club has been brilliant in allowing us the pitch for two hours on a Sunday. If you are interested in becoming involved in any way please give us a call. See our football team in our newsletter - click here.
Solicitors offer legal aid
Homeless people in Lincoln have been given a boost from a local firm of Solicitors. Sills and Betteridge is helping the Nomad Trust by giving the charity cash towards a lunch for residents every month. Their staff not only give a hand in serving this meal, but they are also planning to share their expertise by offering legal advice to the Nomad Service Users. This is a first for the Trust and has been welcomed by the Trust's Manager, Andy Tysoe.
Managing Partner of Sills and Betteridge, John Mitchell has said that the Trust offers great services to those who really need help and he recognises this work by contributing their backing. During the ‘clinic' session, staff would talk to the Service Users about their legal rights and hopefully support them through their difficult times. Andy Tysoe, Manager of the Nomad Trust has said that Nomad has not had this type of arrangement before and hopes that the Service Users will benefit hugely from local partnerships like this, especially to help them understand what issues cause people to become homeless and maybe signpost them to people who can help with issues such as debt.
The lunches, which are being supported by Sills and Betteridge, are to be enjoyed by around 20 people, some of the most vulnerable in the City.
Allotment Scheme
A new scheme is being planned to encourage Service Users to learn gardening skills and, hopefully, then be able to grow their own vegetables, herbs etc. The main two groups organising this scheme are the Cooke and Connell Charity and Lincoln College students. Two areas have been designated for the ‘allotment' scheme and so far a very large greenhouse (25ft x 30ft) has been donated and is in the process of being erected, once it's concrete base has been laid. Volunteers with gardening skills are needed to work with the Service Users, along with donations of the following items, all necessary to begin this exciting new project. If you can help in any way, please feel free to contact the Nomad Trust on Lincoln 883703.
Items needed:
• Seeds for vegetables, herbs, peppers, tomatoes etc
• Seed trays and plant pots
• Compost
• A water butt
• Watering cans
• General gardening tools
Christmas Day 2007
Once again, the Christmas Day meal for the homeless and vulnerable was held at the Lincoln U.R.C. church with over 40 delicious meals being served. ‘Santa' made his usual visit with gifts being presented to all in attendance. The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend John Saxbee, called in to relay his Christmas message and joined in the carol singing and short service. The meal was donated, once again , by the Cooke/Connell Fundraisers and was enjoyed by all. Volunteers from Nomad helped to serve up the meal and joined in with the merriment of the day. The day would not have been possible without the help and donations from members of the public and businesses around the city, ensuring that those in need were not left out in the cold.
THANK YOU to all concerned.
Pictured are the Bishop of Lincoln, John Saxbee along with Reverend Hamish Temple (Chair of Trustees of the Nomad Tust), Andy Tysoe (Manager), Joe Cooke and Frank Connell (Cooke/Connell Fundraising Charity).
12th October 2007
Night Shelter 10th anniversary & rellaunch of the Big Issue
The Nomad Trust held an event at St Hugh's Parish Hall, Lincoln, on Friday 12th October 2007 to mark 10 years of the emergency night shelter accommodation for the homeless and needy in Lincolnshire, and also the re-launch of the Big Issue magazine in Lincoln.
After reception and coffee, the event was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Ron Hills. There was a review of the night shelter's 10 years in Lincoln and speakers, including many people associated with the Trust, past and present, presented their ‘history' of their involvement in its work.
Gillian Merron, M.P. spoke of her knowledge of the Trust's work and then ‘relaunched' the Big Issue magazine, which is now to be sold again in the City.
The Reverend Hamish Temple, Chairman of the Trustees of the Nomad Trust spoke of the future of homeless services in Lincoln, after which a buffet lunch was served and visitors were given the option of a tour of the Night Shelter facilities.
Overall, the event was extremely successful, which much positive feedback being received. Some of the attendees commented on how the event was an ‘eye opener' to them.
Below: Gillian Merron M.P. speaks at the event.
Local News - May 2007
The Nomad Trust is pleased to announce that Dene Brooksbank has won the Lincoln Skills for Life Award at the Pride of Lincoln. Fantastic Achievement! Thanks and well done to everyone who has supported Dene in his learning journey. Dene gave a joint presentation at a conference organised by the LSC at The Bentley Hotel on "Engaging Hard to Reach Learners". They gave him a standing ovation! Well done!
Fun and Games - June 2007
Its been all fun and Games this month, starting with the arrival of a very kind and exciting donation of table tennis which has given much entertainment to service useres, staff and volunteers. The Nomad Trust night shelter has held a games evening including, Jenga, Magnetic darts and table tennis making a refreshing change from the usual card games. for photo's and comments on the evenings events please click here