UCKG HelpCentre

UCKG launches diversity programme
Released: 08.11.06

The new UCKG HelpCentre on Suffolk Street, Queensway, has launched a wide reaching diversity programme for autumn 2006, with events for young and old from all of Birmingham’s ethnic groups.

This Pentecostal church, which believes that people are entitled to a good life here and now, has scheduled youth events to help disaffected young people regain their purpose in life, an Open Day, and a Seniors’ Day. Preparations for a blood donation day are in progress.

Pastor Marco Andrade who is in charge of the HelpCentre said: “The highlight will be our Open Day on Monday October 30. We will be welcoming Councillor Mike Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, and invited local stakeholders from the city. It’s a great opportunity to learn how a church provides practical help with day-to-day problems in these challenging times.”

UCKG churches are called HelpCentres because they offer practical help to all comers, as well as spiritual support for people who want to reach out to something bigger than themselves. HelpCentres at the Bull Ring, Lozells, and in other parts of the UK are open seven days a week. People do not need to be religious in any way to take advantage of this service.

The fist diversity event, in October, attracted 65 young people, who heard how Michael Osei, aged 19 resumed his studies having received support from UCKG. He had previously dropped out into an ‘underclass’ existence with no purpose and no prospects, before encountering UCKG’s youth ministry. Now, he is studying for a business and management degree and also working part time.

Upcoming events include a musical entitled “Where are you going?” This is to be performed by members of UCKG’s victory Youth Group and aims to make young people think about their lives and opportunities. A Seniors Pampering Day is also scheduled for November when members of Birmingham’s African, Caribbean and Asian communities will be sampling a range of hair and beauty treatments.

The UCKG HelpCentre at the Bull Ring opened in April 2006, with a congregation of around 65 people from many of Birmingham’s minority ethnic communities. It now regularly attracts over 100 people to its Sunday services, in contrast to many of the city’s churches where congregations are in decline.

UCKG was formed in Brazil in 1977 and is now actively in some 95 countries as a church in the mainstream Pentecostal tradition. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith.

Notes

The full range of support services now available at the Bullring HelpCentre comprises:

Daily services: Four services a day at 7.00 am, 10.00 am, 3.00 pm and 7.30 pm which combine prayer with life coaching and practical guidance.
Drop-in counselling: Pastors are on hand 365 days a year to lend a sympathetic ear to those that need it and offer spiritual and practical advice.
24-hour helpline: A 24/7 helpline provides counselling advice and prayer on the end of the phone from a 27-strong team of trained and qualified pastors and assistants. The helpline number is 020 7686 6000.
Youth Group: This helps young people to develop their full potential through practical teaching and spiritual development as well as lots of fun activities.
Occasional Blood Donation days in association with the National Blood Service.
Patient Care Group: This is made up of volunteers who will visit patients seven days a week to provide companionship and help alleviate suffering both spiritually and physically.

ROD Group: This group provides support to prisoners and helps them to integrate back into the community upon release as applicable.

If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.