Your old threads, helping the fabric of humanity.
A fresh start
The Salvation Army has more than 700 church and community centres across the UK and Ireland.
Money raised by your clothes donations helps support the vital work of The Salvation Army. The following case histories show just how important your help is and what a profound impact it has on people’s lives. Thank you for your support.
Kevin’s story
Growing up with two alcoholic parents, Kevin never knew life without substance abuse. He started experimenting with glue when he was only 9 or 10 and progressed to alcohol abuse – which led to several stretches in prison.
When Kevin met his partner, he thought he could put his addictions behind him and focus instead on raising a family. But when the children were still young Kevin suffered a relapse and the downward spiral started again. Then a few years later, his partner died tragically – and the young children were taken into care.
Without his family, Kevin was completely lost. For 12 years he was in and out of hostels, trapped in a lonely world of homelessness and addiction. Eventually, when Kevin ended up seriously ill in hospital he finally realised that things had to stop.
Initially he struggled, but when he got a place in the local Salvation Army hostel things started to look up for him. With care and practical support he began to address his problems. Every day requires commitment and effort, but as he proudly states, ‘Right now, the future looks bright.’
After years of addiction Kevin has managed to turn his life around and is planning to join a voluntary group to help him make new friends.
Giving children a sporting chance in Belfast
Growing up in a poor community can be tough for a child. With no safe places to go to make friends and have fun, some vulnerable young people may find themselves drawn into drinking, drugs and crime.
But in the Sydenham area of East Belfast, the local youth now have another option: a football coaching session organised by Sydz Kids, a local Salvation Army project for children and young people.
Once a week, 7 to 16 year olds can burn off excess energy and learn to work together as a team at the local football pitch. Under the tutelage of former Northern Ireland football player Mark Lennox, the youngsters are – literally – having a ball.
Mark says, ‘The kids enjoy football so much and just to see the smiles on their faces is so rewarding. We’re offering an activity to keep the young people off the streets, but above all our emphasis is on fun.’
The Salvation Army provides youth centres, summer camps and summer schools all over Britain, helping youngsters develop skills, confidence and a sense of belonging in their community.
Agnes from Bedworth, West Midlands
The Salvation Army centre in Bedworth, West Midlands, an area hit hard by the recession, is a godsend to older and other vulnerable people who live in the area.
It includes a drop-in centre, a small shop and a community café, where everyone is welcome. With many of the shops in the town boarded up these days, it’s one of the only places where lonely people can get together and enjoy a cup of tea and the conversation and companionship they crave.
Agnes is a regular face at the centre. Her son, in his forties, has severe learning disabilities and renal problems and needs constant care. For Agnes, time at the centre offers a much-needed break.
‘They picked me up when I was down,’ she says, ‘You can’t walk through these
doors and not be inspired.’
Centres like Bedworth provide sanctuary to thousands of lonely older people. Your support enables them to offer a warm welcome and much-needed companionship, to some of our most vulnerable citizens.
Hope for the homeless in York
Being out on the streets is dangerous at any time of year, but in the winter months, the cold and wet can be deadly. The Salvation Army’s local homelessness project team works alongside York City Council to find accommodation for those who have none – including those who have been sleeping rough.
Of course, getting people somewhere to stay is just the beginning. The project also arranges food parcels and clothing to help them settle in and offer essential life skills and useful advice on benefits and employment, to ensure they never become homeless again.
James, who was homeless for two years, is now in full time work.
‘Thanks to The Salvation Army, I was able to move into my own flat, get help with my finances and secure a full-time job as an assistant chef,’ says James. ‘The help and support from my Salvation Army officer has been tremendous – in fact I see him more as a friend.’
Our homeless project teams offer vital assistance to those on the streets to help them get their lives back on track.
Debbie from London
Debbie, 12, was a gang member in an area of London where violence and knife crime among young people is common and she also had a difficult relationship with her mum. She joined a youth club at a Salvation Army community centre but it soon became clear that Debbie was very troubled so support was given, including one-to-one counselling, to tackle her problems.
With money raised by your clothes donations Debbie has been given the help to make real changes in her life. Her relationship with her mum has improved, she has dropped out of the gang and she still comes to the centre to see her friends.
Enid and Marjorie visit the over-60s club in Chalk Farm three or four times a week. Since their husbands passed away, coming to see their friends at The Salvation Army centre is the highlight of their week where activities range from singing to quizzes and talks.
With money raised by your clothes donations Enid and Marjorie are able to enjoy a holiday every year in the UK with their club. Your support means coach travel, hotel and excursions are all paid for.
Despite experiencing challenging lives, with many suffering from mental and physical abuse before arriving at the centre, the women at Mount Cross Families Centre are determined to make a positive new start for themselves. Educational ‘taster’ weekends are held at Wentworth Castle in partnership with The Northern College to help prepare them for a new life when they leave the centre.
With money raised by your clothes donations women are finding out what they can achieve by going back into education.
