I will rise

 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint

This verse from Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favourite verses. It gives a powerful image. When you watch an eagle soaring in the sky above it looks fantastic, very powerful, full of majesty and beauty. What it must be like to do that. In these verses we read that we can soar on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not be faint - there is only condition that we must satisfy to enable us to do so - we need to hope in the LORD. This hope is not the kind of wishy-washy hope that it doesnt snow anymore! It is putting everything we are, everything we have, all of our lives in the Lords hands - when we place that kind of hope in the LORD then our strength will be renewed.

As you listen to the song may you know His peace, and may your strength be renewed.

Focus On...

…Bobby, Participant in SMART programme, George Steven Centre:
 

Bobby is a 40 year old man who has Downs Syndrome.  He suffers from Type 2 Diabetes. Prior to SMART support, Bobby shared his home with his father who would administer insulin and monitor his blood sugar levels. Unfortunately Bobby’s Father passed away and Bobby was left to deal with his medical condition on a daily basis.

 

Bobby struggled to cope with the changes and adapt to life as an independent adult, his diet was poor, he would administer insulin at the wrong times and even the wrong dose, he was also known to over check his blood sugar levels, resulting in his skin becoming sore and inflamed from needle pricks. Bobby’s unmonitored Diabetes further resulted in him being admitted to hospital on several occasions.

The SMART approach has continually supported Bobby in all aspects of his daily living, encouraging him to be as independent as possible. Bobby’s Diabetes is now very strictly monitored with Bobby taking the lead role. Bobby is more aware than ever of the importance of eating the right food, although he still likes to have the odd treat!  Bobby checks his blood sugars and administers insulin independently with staff present both morning and night, all results are now recorded and Bobby as well as staff know the protocol if things aren’t right. Thanks to the SMART team Bobby is now also under a diabetic specialist who works closely with him.

 

Jo-Anne Graham

Project Worker SMART

Tenancy Worker for Bobby

 

 

 

HALO Project, George Steven Centre

This year HALO introduced a ‘Literacy and Numeracy Programme’ working in partnership with the North Ayrshire Council Adult Literacy Team. The purpose of the programme is to allow the group to experience a broad range or general education which helps enhance and improve learning and achievement. Some of the areas that we have been focusing on are the Receptive modes of literacy which are Reading and Listening and the Productive modes of literacy which are Writing and Talking as well as focusing on numeracy skills in every day life. Throughout the sessions the group have developed their knowledge and understanding of the purpose of learning new skills through different experiences and challenges linking literacy and numeracy in everyday context to home, work, community and the wider world.

One of the highlights of the programme was an invitation we received to be guests on a Live Radio Show 3TFM. The group got an insight into the behind the scenes action that takes place in a live radio station.  The group had a great time participating as members of the studio audience and contributors to the programme. The HALO group were presented with an audio disc each of the evenings broadcast to keep and treasure. The visit to the radio station was very memorable and will have a lasting impression on the group.

Here is our Literacy in Everyday Life Modules:

• Music
• Receptive Modes
• Productive Modes
• ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
• Community
• Creativity
• My Centre
• Being Part of a Group
• Popular Culture
• Radio
• Numeracy and Mathematics
• Media

Here are our Simple Golden Rules:

•  The learner is at the Heart of the Process
• Take into account the Learners Past Experiences and Future Aspirations and Goals
• Always Consider Alternative Outcomes for Learners during Planning and Learning Experiences
• Improve Learners Skills and/or Learn New Ones
• To Build a Positive Climate of Peer Support, Respect and Trust
• Have a Fun Learning Experience where Everyone Succeeds.

 

Two projects in the News

MP hails Salvation Army for its homelessness work

Danny Alexander MP has praised the Salvation Army in Inverness for its work in helping break the cycle of homelessness.

Speaking in the Inverness Courier, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and local MP, said the work of the Inverness Resettlement Project was making a real difference to the lives of many vulnerable people.

Mr Alexander met members of the church and charity, along with management and service users at the project  – which focuses on getting people into their own homes and supporting them.

He said “The Salvation Army is well known in Inverness for the invaluable housing support service it provides to individuals and families who are affected by homelessness, and UK wide for its creative, practical and compassionate assistance to those who need it most. To see that support first hand has been an inspiring experience.”

Meanwhile, the Inverness Resettlement Project has been making even more headlines in recent days, with its work profiled in a special feature in the Highland News.

The project supports 70 people a year who are experiencing homelessness, with specific help given to people suffering from long-term addictions such as drugs and alcohol.

Tom talks about the challenges of corps life

Corps assistant Tom Mitchell at Easterhouse in Glasgow has featured in The Herald Magazine.

Tom was the subject of the newspaper's latest 'What it feels like...' column, speaking about what it feels like to run a foodbank over Christmas.

He said: "We decided to set up the foodbank after my wife and I received a call from a local school where children were turning up hungry. It made us stop and think.

"It's great to see people progressing. One man who came to us had lost his money through gambling. We put him in touch with Gamblers Anonymous and now he has food in his fridge and money in the bank. He's got this spark and volunteers now."

Special Year

2015 is a special year for The Salvation Army - we celebrate our 150th anniversary.

To start the year of why not listen to General Andre Cox's new year message.

Happy New Year from General André Cox - the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army

“Today, as we thank God for his faithfulness to The Salvation Army over 150 years, can we imagine what he has in store for us? The exciting part is that, just like William Booth, we never fully envisage what God can do through us if obediently we fully depend on him.”  

 

 Watch the video here.

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and God's blessing for 2015.

Life, I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice
what you have learned about life
during the last twelve months.

All that you sought
and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out
with more determination.

All the good that you tried for
and didn't achieve
is mine to grant
when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do,
all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have -
these slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said,
'behold, I make all things new.'

I am the new year.