Annual Fundraiser

A VERY BIG THANK YOU to all those who provided scrumptious home-baking, came along to help set up and to run the day.  
This event is always a lot of work and I rely heavily on the support of both church friends and students to ensure the event happens.  
This year was a rather quiet one, at least quieter than usual, but we still managed to raise £190.53 for which I'm extremely grateful.
It was suggested that we consider running a similar event in the summer, when the weather is better, and use the car-parking space outside the church to set up our book sale, etc.  So please watch out for more information.

Oxford Trip

On Saturday, March 5th, we took two coaches of students (approx 100 people) to Bicester Village Outlet and the historic city of Oxford.  It was a great day out though I don't think Bicester Village featured very highly on anyone's 'must come again' radar  ...  it certainly didn't on mind!!

Sleeping Sonali

Well-Being Day

If I'm really honest I didn't feel like being part of the well-being day on campus  ...  I was feeling like I wanted someone to well-being me!! However, it only took a few conversation for me to get my 'mojo' back and begin enjoying the day and all that it was intended to be.
I'd especially like to thank all those students who popped by and spent some time chatting :-)

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Mental Health First Aid course

DID YOU KNOW  ...

1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental illness in any given year.

DID YOU KNOW  ...

almost 75% of young people fear the reactions of friends when they talk about their mental health issues.

Two weeks ago I was able to attend a two-day Mental Health First Aid course facilitated by the Borough of Greenwich. This is something I've wanted to do for some time to better equip me in my role as a Chaplain at the university and also within my local church.
I learned a lot but one tool I found really helpful was this Window on the World.  Each one of us has an individual filter through which we define reality. This 'individual frame of reference is influenced by a range of factors from our upbringing and experience. These include our family situation, education, culture and life experiences.'
Personally I believe that the more we are aware of how these factors have influenced our lives the better we will understand why we respond the way we do in any given situation.  The better we understand ourselves and our thought processes the more equipped we can be to strengthen our weaknesses and introduce helpful structures when the going gets tough.

March calendar

Sunday Lunch Scheme

For those students who are a long way from the normalcy of home and family, our Sunday Lunch Scheme is greatly appreciated  ...

"My sister and myself are really grateful for the lunch we had yesterday. We had a marvelous time with Martha, Alfie and little Matilda. Thank you so much for organising this special time."  Kevish (Mauritius)

"Dear Denise & Michael, thank you so much for the wonderful visit to your home, I had a great time with you. Thank you Denise for the lovely apple crumble and custard and the other food you made for us. Peter the game was great fun; though I could not win!! I look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania for a tour of the national park."   Lembris  

Several other students came to my home and we had a mini-belated-Birthday celebration. We had a lovely afternoon playing crazy games and watching one of my favourite films  ...  The Princess Bride

I received some lovely gifts - so thank you to everyone; but Sonali, I love my fab new hat to add to my collection.

... and Arshad I really like this plaque :-)