|
|
|||
|
Volunteers from the Brixton branch have been running this service since July 2002, Since then they have given away nearly 1900 meals. Every Saturday afternoon at 18:00 Tea Bohui , who leads the volunteers gathers with his group in a little park in front of the Ritzy cinema in Brixton to serve wholesome food and drinks. The menu normally includes biscuits, cakes, bread, pastries, a selection of sandwiches, chicken soup and pasta freshly prepared by the church members and accompanied by tea, coffee and a choice of cold drinks. “The people who come along for the meals include rough-sleepers and others who have slipped through the net of government funded welfare and support services for a variety of reasons,” Tea said. The father of two is a postman, who lives in Brixton and is Dad to two young children. “As well as feeding the homeless people who come to us, we also offer words of encouragement and prayer,” he added. “We don't just give physical help in the form of food and drink, but try to show our clients that there is another way. Whatever happened in the past, no matter their mistakes, they can have a good future.” In the time the UCKG food distribution group has been operating, a number of those using the service have experienced major improvements in their lives. A 33 year old Italian man stopped his regular use of drugs for over two months and then started to earn a living by selling records as he made progress towards a better way of life. A young man called Roberto found a job thanks to one of the UCKG members and set his sights on going to university. An older man, Carlos, gave up drugs completely. He no longer lives on the streets but has rejoined his wife and son and together they are now trying to get their daughter back from care. Others have progressed to the point of getting temporary or permanent accommodation and jobs or back into education. Tea and his team attribute these successes to the fact that they treat their clients with respect gradually winning their confidence and trust, and prayer. -Ends- Note to Editors: UCKG HelpCentre is a Christian church and registered charity with branches across London. The church is strongly committed to providing a range of outreach activities, helping individuals in the community to realise their potential. The Victory Youth Group was set up in 1996 by the church and currently has a regular weekly church-wide attendance of over 1000 youngsters aged 13-25. It provides stimulating, constructive activities including trips to Alton Towers, football and basketball competitions, cinema trips and musical events. If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.
|
||
|
|||
The UCKG in Brixton which provides a free Saturday tea to around a dozen homeless people in every week recently celebrated its third birthday.