The Suitcase Project keeps growing
A sensory garden, an English and Exercise group and a weekly prayer gathering – just some of the recent initiatives of the Suitcase Project. Tim Burns, the leader, and a Pioneer Minister in Training, updates us on this vital work among newcomers to Northern Ireland.
The Suitcase Project is here to help those that are new to Northern Ireland and assist parishes throughout the diocese to do the same. At its heart our work is about building relationships, deepening connections, and offering support.
Thanks to an incredible team of volunteers, we have been able to run our Monday morning Conversation Cafe for over a year now. We meet with people and help them develop their English conversational skills over a cup of coffee – it’s a great way to make friends.
From January we have been teaching English to a small group of parents in Nettlefield Primary and in September we hope to develop new initiatives with the school.
We have been running a men’s group on Wednesday evenings, with a focus on help with English language, friendships and providing support. This has proved to be fruitful in building deeper connections with some of the men. We also have an English and Exercise group, thanks to a health and fitness instructor who wants to develop his English. This helps him and he helps us get fit!
We are partnering with Glenside Community Farm to help them develop and plant a sensory garden. We have discovered that some people have been keen gardeners in their home countries but have found outside space limited where they now live. This is a great way of providing that space and connecting people with another group.
Recently we had a meal in the Emmanuel Centre for those we have connected with and their families. Over 40 people came along, ate well, and had a great evening of conversation, food and fun.
Coming up, we are partnering with People First to develop a women’s group on Wednesdays. Here, the women will be taught English and have a chance to develop their own initiatives. They will receive support around employability and through our volunteers connect with people that can offer ongoing assistance.
We will be starting a weekly prayer gathering to support those that are Christians or are exploring Christian faith, and to raise the spiritual bar within the project. I am excited to see where this may lead us.
Please pray for The Suitcase Project that:
We would continue to build connections with people, churches and organisations so that we can best serve newcomers.
God would mobilise volunteers across the diocese.
We would continue to have opportunities to meet with newcomers and the heart to listen and serve them.
For those we have already met, that we would be able support and care for them at their point of need.
That God would guide our steps as we develop the work of the Suitcase Project.
For our finances, that we would be able to bring in money through grants and donations that will enable the project to continue to grow.
On the last Monday evening of each month, we have a prayer gathering. Everyone is invited to come and pray with us.
Tim
To find out more please visit The Suitcase Project website HERE or download a leaflet HERE
Contact Tim Burns by email: tim@thesuitcaseproject.org.uk
Donate online
CLICK HERE to donate via CAF to The Suitcase Project (Asylum Seekers & Refugees).