October’s was the last Sutton Soup social of the year and the fourth in our series so far. Again, we had a lovely mix of familiar and new faces at Shinner and Sudtone to start and catch up, always good to hear of volunteer roles that have been filled from the newsletter, and have a chance to hear what’s new in everyone’s world, then onto St Nicholas Church.
The five organisations we learned about, in addition to those we met in the break were:
Playwise Learning who support disabled children up to 8 years old who have a range of needs by providing a range of services including teaching 6 groups a week, home interventions, parenting programmes, Play & Stay sessions, advice and guidance, community outings and a 6 day grotto.
Their pitch was for their Christmas Meal Appeal which supports the most vulnerable families with disabled children to ensure they have everything they need for a wonderful Christmas Meal. Cost of living rises disproportionately affect families with a disabled child. Their fundraiser is to help create Christmas Magic and Sparkle for 100 families - or more. They also provide magical experiences for children who would not otherwise be able to partake in Christmas, making it a special time for them, too.
To find out more: https://playwise.org.uk/
Sutton Street Pastors are Christian volunteers working in Sutton and Wallington to help anyone who is vulnerable or feels unsafe. They are out in all weathers and work with local businesses and police building relationships with the staff of pubs and clubs. They give practical and emotional support and help people feel safe, cared for and listened to, especially the lonely and vulnerable. They give out sleeping bags, warm clothes, snacks, hot drinks, also flip flops to drunk women - and lollipops! - to help engage with young people and those the worse for wear.
Their pitch was to offer more shifts, more training to help offer more small acts of kindness.
For more information: https://suttoncommunityworks.org/street-pastors/
Nickel Support is a disability service delivering support for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, supporting over 130 people in a wide variety of ways.
Their pitch revolved around their new coffee shop “Beans and Bloom” in Whitehall, the only coffee shop with a garden in Cheam. Not just a stop for coffee they want to be seen as a community hub, a special place. They help 11 trainees per week and they wanted funds to provide outdoor heating, covers and blankets so the outside area can be used through the year.
To find out more: https://www.nickel.org.uk/
The Paul Alan Project are a small local charity run entirely by volunteers. Named after Paul Alan, the founder’s father who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, the charity believe that everybody should know how to save a life. They provide regular free training in basic lifesaving skills as they believe this should be accessible to anyone regardless of age, financial status, culture or ability so there are no barriers. They have trained over 1500 people in just over a year.
The Paul Alan Project also provides defibrillators and bleed control kits for local public spaces. They aim to install these on every Sutton street corner and in every park and open space by the end of 2030. They have provided one outside the Robin Hood pub, the closest to Sutton Soup.
Their winning pitch was to install a kit on the Shanklin Estate which currently has no nearby provision. Each kit costs £1600 and needs maintenance too.To find out more: https://www.thepaulalanproject.org/
They are looking for volunteers to help with research from home.
The Fantastic Freddie Foundation reported back on their win last time. They provide age appropriate activities for disabled adults, promoting independence and combating some of the barriers preventing them getting the most out of their lives. Their winnings provided two club nights with a range of activities including karaoke and a photobooth. - offering their users a real experience.
To find out more: https://thefantasticfreddiefoundation.com/about-us
Please RSVP to Natasha if you would like to join. For more information on Forums click here.
