CHARITY NEWS from PSALM (Project for Seniors and Life Long Ministry), one of the charities supported by the parish.
It is more than 10 years since the work of Psalm began and plans are being considered to expand, increase outreach and offer workshops in more accessible locations, particularly in south London. More funding will be needed to enable these plans to be realised but thanks are due to our church as well as others and charitable trusts which give financial support, in addition to the funds received from hosting and providing workshops.
Heath Street Baptist church has offered space for workshops and it is hoped that these will take place this year. Perhaps this will be more convenient for members of the congregation to participate.
A very successful conference was held at Lumen United Reformed Church and another is planned for October this year, in association with Methodist Homes for the Aged, with which Psalm is building a close association, to help and inform church members and leaders about the changing emphasis of residential care towards the frail and shorter stay and the growth of care at home. Psalm also held a retreat for pastoral workers at St James’ West Hampstead and St Mary’s Kilburn. Contributing to a conference on elder abuse and faith was also a notable activity.
In the coming year too, outreach will include workshops at The Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Zaccheus Project working in association with Welcome Methodist Church Bethnal Green. There will also be another conference in October 2014 with Methodist Homes for the Aged to help and inform church members and leaders about the changing emphasis of residential care towards the frail and shorter stay and the growth of care at home.
The trustees are presently looking at plans to expand the work of Psalm which will involve employing another part time co-ordinator and inevitably will mean raising more funds. However the issue of care and concern for the elderly is high on the national agenda, so whatever we can do to contribute to the debate and inform and facilitate others is much needed.
Coming up are two workshops to be held at St. Pancras Church House, 1 Lancing Street NW1: ‘Living with Loss’ on 10th April and ‘Who do you think you are?’ on 9th June (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Church House is only a short walk from Euston Station and so very accessible for North Londoners! Our church is a corporate member so you are entitled to claim a reduced fee for either of these of £8.