I recently attended the annual general meeting of CARIS Haringey, which is one of the charities supported by this Church. CARIS stands for Christian Action and Response In Society, which sums up the Charity’s core beliefs. The Charity’s objective is to promote such charitable purposes for the benefit of the community within the London Borough of Haringey as shall be an expression of Christian social concern. It has its roots in the Anglican Church, with an ecumenical support network. It is the only organisation in the London Borough of Haringey which exists solely to work with and for homeless families. Its services are open to anyone in temporary accommodation in the borough. Users of its services include a high proportion of refugees, asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence and people with mental health problems.
The year 2005-2006 was challenging, with CARIS experiencing staff changes and financial pressures. Its total income was reduced by nearly £55,000 to £130,123. This was mainly caused by a reduction of grant income, resulting from changes in Government funding priorities, particularly funding for Sure Start programmes, which had to be wound down owing to this loss of funding. Other activities were adjusted to be compatible with available funding. Services carried out in 2005-2006 which are planned to continue, subject to sufficient funding, include:
Outreach and Advice Services. A total of 348 clients were given help or casework on subjects relating to health, education, housing, benefit claims and refugee status.
The Weekly Play, Education and Advice Drop-in. The weekly drop-in was used by 488 families, for the play and early learning creche; to go to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes; or to use the clothing and baby equipment exchanges.
The Mobile Toy Library. For families in temporary accommodation this is often the first point of contact and may lead to advice, registration with a GP, health visitors, ESOL classes or other services. Toys and equipment on loan reflect the cultural diversity of clients. 61 children under 5 benefited from this service.
Summer Playscheme and Christmas Parties. The summer playscheme is a two week programme for children aged up to 15 years which offers a wide range of themed activities and workshops with trained workers, supported by volunteers. 115 children attended. Two Christmas parties were held for different age groups.
CARIS is represented on two local Programme Partnership Boards, and works with other statutory, voluntary, community and faith organisations.
The greater part of CARIS’s income is restricted and can only be used for purposes specified by the donor. Unrestricted funds, such as those given by various churches, of which Hampstead Parish Church is one, are therefore particularly valuable. It is the Trustees’ aim to keep unrestricted reserves at a minimum of £25,000, in order that in the event of a sudden loss of income the work can be carried on for three months while new funding is sought or activities changed. These fell during 2005-2006 to £10,228 so the Trustees are considering ways in which additional unrestricted funds can be raised.