Big Lottery Fund ‘Connects’ with local charity

Rochdale Connections Trust celebrating its 15th anniversary and the occasion was used to hand out 44 certificates by the Mayor, Councillor Jim Gartside

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Rochdale Connections Trust (RCT) is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The Trust works with families who have experienced a wide range of social needs and the occasion was used to hand out 44 certificates by the Mayor, Councillor Jim Gartside, to clients; many of whom have overcome significant issues to gain awards in understanding anger, employment and IT skills, budgeting and money management.

Festive food was served throughout the event which was attended by clients, invited guests, Trustee John Kay, the police and representatives from the council including CEO Jim Taylor and Conservative Leader Ashley Dearnley.

At the end of the awards ceremony, the Mayor had a surprise in store as he handed over a cheque from the Big Lottery Fund for £261,212. This will enable the Trust to concentrate on Targeted Youth Support.

RCT Chair, Vivienne Carter said: “Who would have thought we’d still be here 15 years down the road? Now, we have a half-way house to support people moving out of care and our work has taken us into areas we never dreamed of when we started out.

“It is so rewarding to see so many clients overcoming their hurdles and joining us as volunteers. Between then, they have so many skills to offer and pass on to others.”

The trust was originally formed in response to the growing number of adolescents coming through the Youth Court but it soon became obvious that a whole-family approach was the best way to get to the heart of the issues.

Many of the clients had overcome horrendous histories of domestic violence and abuse thanks to RCT. Carla (31), who was there with her youngest son Jack (4), told us that she had spent time in care as a youngster, had suffered abuse and had drifted into drug use. A relationship had resulted in sustained and serious violence that has left her with both emotional and physical scars.

“RCT is really fantastic,” she told Rochdale Online. “They listened to me, supported me and made me realise that you don’t have to just accept what happens to you. Although I am still in therapy, I want to come back as a volunteer and share my own experiences then and help others in my position to break the circle.”

Carla had earlier been presented with two certificates by the Mayor, watched by son Jack who was happily munching on a mince pie.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/72858/simply-the-best-says-connections-trust  

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