During 2020 we have helped at least 1500 individuals who have experienced rough sleeping and homelessness, and/or substance misuse. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. The 2020 report celebrates outstanding achievements made by amazing people!
On the 26th March, the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards, in partnership with The Harpur Trust, will celebrate those who make Bedford brilliant. SMART CJS has nominated three local heroes who have made it to the final.
Independent functional fitness gym HG/FIT and their supporters raise more than £3000 for the SMART Prebend Centre by walking and running every hour, on the hour.
When we started this bulletin a year ago, we did not know what a devastating effect the pandemic would have on all our lives and society as a whole. We had no idea about the changes that would be required to keep our services open so we can continue to help those who need it the most.
Often we overindulge during the Christmas period and sometimes find it hard to get back on track. SMART Wokingham is offering a free online session to help residents of Wokingham understand if they are drinking too much and how to make small changes to cut down.
The past two months have seen our teams overcome tremendous challenges – it’s thanks to their unbelievable commitment that all SMART services remain open. We would not be able to do this without our incredible volunteers and generous donors; we do this together
MEDIA RELEASE: Bedford based charity, SMART CJS, has announced that the SMART Prebend Centre premises will be used in a whole new way. The building, formally a day centre for rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness will now act as a one-stop shop hub for a range of services, initiatives, and projects.
BIG NEWS… Today SMART Wokingham launch a trial of ‘LIVE CHAT’ – an online service for young people living in Wokingham. LIVE CHAT provides an opportunity for under 18’s to talk to the Wokingham team about anything to do with drugs or alcohol.
Sarah Ladbrook, FCCA, has worked in a range of sectors including utilities, software, technology, asset management, retail, charitable and hospitality. She brings with her Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Reporting and Forecasting experience. She also knows a lot about Xero – the accounting package that SMART uses – a real bonus!
This week SMART Wokingham, drug and alcohol support service will be joining 3,000 other community groups across the UK for Alcohol Awareness Week – led by Alcohol Change UK – to raise awareness of the link between alcohol and mental health, to speak out about the issues and the stigma surrounding them, and encourage anyone who is struggling to seek the support they deserve.
New Lockdown, Same Pandemic: Demand Rises for SMART CJS Services and Support. We are back to stricter lockdown measures for the month of November. Our services will continue to run, but look out for some adjustments.
“I thought I might be able to make a little money for charity by raffling off my most recent new products before they are released for sale. I wanted to help local smaller charities who’ve needed to adapt quickly during COVID, and I knew SMART had to make big changes to continue supporting the homeless of Bedford.”
Bedford based Gale Family Trust has awarded £5000 to SMART CJS. “Changes to the way we operate, longer hours and a rise in demand for our services means we require additional staff and more supplies. To maintain these changes, we need increased funding, which is why the money received from the Gale Family Trust is so important right now. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts”
SMART CJS is delighted to have received a donation of £250 from the young people on the Priory Court and Lower Court wards of Priory Hospital, Roehampton. These wards care for young people with a wide range of mental health illnesses.
SMART CJS continues to be influenced by the current pandemic and keeping everyone safe. Our services are in high demand, with more people than ever reaching out for support as a result of COVID-19.
SMART CJS is excited to offer a rewarding volunteering opportunity at SMART Wokingham’s Young Person’s Drug and Alcohol Service. You will need a strong desire to work with people up to the age of 18, supporting them to explore their substance use behaviours.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support we have received over the past four months in Bedford; the local response to COVID-19 has been unbelievable. Communities have united to support SMART CJS and smash the SMART Prebend Centre emergency appeal target!
A message from Anita McCallum, SMART CJS CEO. “I am delighted to report that, thanks to the generosity and kindness of SMART CJS supporters, the SMART Prebend Centre emergency appeal has reached an amazing £26,500.”
In a recent survey it was reported that over eight in ten of those performing Trustee roles said that it made them happier and over one in five said that they got a promotion as a result of their service. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to bring their experience and knowledge to our board of trustees. The board is our governing body, providing strategy and direction and ensuring we’re run according to the rules.
SMART CJS’s services continue to be heavily influenced by the current pandemic and keeping staff and users of our services safe. We continue to redesign how we work to keep helping those who need it – with ever-increasing demand from those who have been badly affected.