SMART CJS had to suspend fundraising during COVID-19, but this week, as Christmas approaches, we are back with the launch of the annual Cold Relief In Bedford (CRIB) appeal and we need your support!
News from SMART CJS’s projects in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Oxford – Additional funding for rough sleeper beds, the Monster Mash at Norman Russell House and Rogers Court on the telly!
SMART CJS, has announced that it has successfully bid for additional funds for helping rough sleepers over the Winter period. The Winter Transformation Fund grant, comes courtesy of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Homeless Link and Housing Justice and was confirmed earlier this month.
There are big changes at the top of SMART CJS, as current Chair of the board of trustees, Dave Rawcliffe, steps down after five years, handing over to Bedford-based property lawyer Chantal Thomas. Keara O’Connor, a Milton Keynes-based Project Manager also joins the board as a new trustee.
Your opinion matters! We need YOUR HELP to shape the future of the SMART Prebend Homeless Centre in Bedford. Complete a short survey and help us to help others
Exciting and uplifting news from SMART CJS’s projects in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Oxford – A landmark moment, positive developments and heartfelt feedback.
SMART CJS is proud to announce that Rogers Court, Bedford is open! It will support former homeless and rough sleepers in 20 individual, self-contained accommodation units and help people back on their feet to a positive future.
Are you a former resident at Howard House or do know someone who has taken part in the programme? Have you have previously volunteered at the service? Have been involved with the service in another way? We need your help.
Take a peek at what’s been happening across SMART CJS services… In this edition: Volunteers, VIPs and a trip to Blenheim Palace.
The SMART News Bulletin covers all SMART CJS’s projects and provides local contacts. The May edition celebrates our wonderful people doing amazing things.
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.