If we think about the homes of our friends and relations, our eyes seldom [...]]]> One of the aims of the Bye Buy Childhood Campaign being run by Mothers’ Union is to raise parents’ awareness of the commercial pressure on children, that has become so pervasive that we hardly notice it; “wallpaper” is the jargon word.

If we think about the homes of our friends and relations, our eyes seldom notice or remember the wallpaper – unless it is particularly unpleasant to our eye! That is the point that is being made– as adults we take a lot of things in our stride so we don’t notice some things. Some of the things that we don’t notice are actually things that we really don’t want in our children’s faces all the time, so that they too become desensitised to them and unaware of the inappropriateness of certain things to their age group.

Getting a group of parents together for an evening to step back and look at things from their child’s perspective not only shows them that others have concerns, but also introduces them to the campaign’s information and advice on how to make a difference.

Our Social Policy Officer in the Diocese of Winchester can be contacted via the CONTACT link (bottom of the right hand column) for further information and we have speakers willing to talk to any interested group about this campaign.

The [...]]]> Mothers’ Union has produced a fantastic new resource called “Hand in Hand”, which is has been created to help families enjoy their faith together. This resource is meant both for parents who are already strong in their faith and desire to nurture this in their children, and for those who fell less certain.

The booklet comprises a number of sections, including practical ways in which to share family spirituality and celebrate the wonder of life in good times and bad, which can be used to enable us to develop our personal and family faith and more.

Each copy cost £2.00, however discounts are available for bulk orders and can be obtained from central services via email at centralservices@themothersunion.org or telephone on 020 7222 5533.

There is more information about the booklet on this flyer which you can give to parents of all your local groups and congregations: Hand_in_Hand_flyer_2011

Southampton Street Pastors have been patrolling the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights since May this year. There 48 volunteers are each out once per month from 10pm to 4am helping people to stay safe and have a good time. [...]]]>

Southampton Street Pastors and members of the public pose for a photo

Southampton Street Pastors have been patrolling the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights since May this year. There 48 volunteers are each out once per month from 10pm to 4am helping people to stay safe and have a good time. Over the last four months they have helped nearly 100 people in different ways.

They are holding an information lunch for anyone who would like to get the latest information about what is happening. This event is for anyone who wants to know more about Street Pastors. You may be thinking of volunteering yourself, or you may just be curious.

Southampton Street Pastors Information Lunch
Saturday 26th September 2009
11am to 2pm
Millbrook Christian Centre, 51a Wimpson Lane, SO16 4QF

11.00 – Refreshments and registration
11.15 – Street Pastors – the national context, roles and responsibilities
11.45 – Stories from the streets – hear about what has been happening in Southampton
12.00 – Volunteering – training, being a street pastor; other help that is needed
12.30 – Lunch – opportunity to chat with existing street pastors
13.30 – Question and Answer time
14.00 – Close

Please RSVP to Richard Pitt by Monday 22nd September if you want to go to this event by email to: southampton@streetpastors.org.uk or telephone 023 8099 9896

Please tell them where you saw this advert, and if you decide to get involved, come back and tell us all about it!