7Corners

October 13, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

October News

Autumn is the season which teaches us that change can be beautiful. Each new season, new trial, new change creates a new rhythm, a new melody inside us. Otherwise we will find that we have reached the end of our lives and have been dancing to the same song the whole time.

Don’t forget that this month the clocks fall back an hour on 29 October 2023 at 2.00 am which means an extra hour in bed.

We are hiring – Centre Assistant . . .

We have a job vacancy – new post! Responsible to the Centre Manager and accountable to the Trustees. Hours to be arranged with the Centre Manager to fulfil the needs and demands of the service. 10 hours per week. Hourly rate £10.42 (Living Wage). If you are interested further details can be found in the Abergavenny Chronicle or for an informal chat, please contact the Centre via telephone (01873 855414) to arrange an appointment. Closing date 12 noon 23 October 2023 – applications to be submitted to admin@7Corners.org.uk.

Dates for your diary –

Will be open from 7.00 pm on 25 October 2023 to 01 November 2023. Don’t forget to book your place to avoid disappointment.

Living in the Light Party 28 October 2023, Bailey Park Bandstand 7.00 pm onwards to include snorkers, cake and music! No tricks, just treats.

Funding approval

We have received two significant funding grants over the last month for core costs which are hard to secure. Plus, we are in talks with other funding options . . . watch this space!

The Centre Roof!

Thank you to all who have given donations to help with the cost of this repair. At the moment we are waiting to make contact with someone from the Heritage department and a local Builder to advise on the way forward as the wall behind 7’s Centre is the Old Town Wall.

Thinking of Christmas Presents?

Help raise donations for

The Bridge To Cross Charitable Trust with #easyfundraising! Every donation makes a difference to us so please sign up & share today.

We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.

And finally . . .

September 22, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

End of Summer Hols BBQ and Thank You Bash . . .

In February 2023 we reported that Lt Col Andrew Tuggey had stepped down as Patron of The Bridge to Cross. Andrew has supported our work for many years and for this it was very fitting to thank him for all that he has done at our Summer BBQ by presenting him with picture of the Bandstand in Bailey Park, one of the places 7s reaches out to young people. We were blessed with sunshine and all enjoyed food and fellowship. Our pictures shows the Chair of the Bridge to Cross Trust Peter Nuttall, left, presenting the picture to former Patron Lt Col Andrew Tuggey.

The Centre Roof!

The builder came to the Centre a couple of weeks ago to remove the weeds and clear the guttering ready for winter. Unfortunately, he discovered a hole running the length of the roof (far side attaching to the wall). This will now be one of our main funding priorities to ensure that the roof is made safe and secure.

We are hiring – Centre Assistant . . .

We have a job vacancy – new post! Responsible to the Centre Manager and accountable to the Trustees. Hours to be arranged with the Centre Manager to fulfil the needs and demands of the service, 10 hours per week. Hourly rate £10.42. If you are interested please contact the Centre via telephone (01873 855414) to arrange an appointment. Closing date September 31, 2023 – applications to be submitted to admin@7Corners.org.uk.

Nature Isn’t Neat entry for this year’s Wales in Bloom . . .

In June 2023 7Corners’ garden was registered for ‘Nature isn’t Neat’ in the Wales in Bloom competition. We are pleased to announce that we have achieved a Level 3 – Advancing as part of It’s Your Neighbourhood and was awarded a certificate at the Wales in Bloom Awards Ceremony in Denbigh which has been collected by Abergavenny Town Council on our behalf.

Next year Abergavenny will host the Wales in Bloom Awards on Friday, September, 13, 2024 . . . watch this space!

Thinking of Christmas Presents?

Help raise donations for The Bridge To Cross Charitable Trust with #easyfundraising! Every donation makes a difference to us so please sign up & share today.

24-7 Prayer Room 2023 – confirmation received. More information to follow, watch this space!

We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.

And finally . . .

May God’s blessings fall upon you like the leaves of Autumn.

August 21, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

August News

IYE Festival 2023 . . .Statistics!

During the Festival a number of questionnaires were given out and completed. This will not only be excellent feedback for the Charity but will also aid with grant funding applications.

On the scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most likely) 74% said that they would tell a friend about their experience at the IYE. The other 26% rated between 6 and 9 on the scale.

There was various feedback on things that were liked most about the festival; the following are just a sample:

Young People focused
Opportunity to meet new people
Being part of the Community
The variety of activities available
Refreshments

and the one we personally like the most –

ALL OF IT!

Feedback on things that were disliked:

48% said that there was nothing that they disliked
57% made comment of the rain/bad weather

Other comments were

Loud music
Lack of support from local Youth Organisations

The above are just a few of the comments/stats for the event – the full report will be reviewed by Ange and the Trustees and any improvements that can be made will go towards next year’s IYE Festival – Yes, Ange is already planning the next one!

Obviously we can’t do anything about the weather – sorry.

A BIG THANK YOU goes to Nigel our new Chaplain – Nigel has had a book made of all the photographs that he took at the IYE – excellent! If you are passing why not pop in for a look, see if you can spot yourself!

Date for your diary –

Saturday, September 2, 2023, End of Summer Hols BBQ and Thank You Bash – 3pm onwards. All Volunteers and Trustees are invited to attend.

Thank you to everyone for raising donations for The Bridge To Cross Charitable Trust with #easyfundraising! If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s easy and completely FREE. 8,100 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to do your everyday online shopping – at no extra cost to you! Every donation you raise makes a difference to us so please sign up & share today.

No school holidays for Ange . . .

Ange returned from her annual leave ready to start again! The 7’s programme continues throughout the summer school break plus Ange has been out and about doing her thing. Below are just some of the engagements that have and will be undertaken:

31 July – Testimony, Llangasty Retreat Centre.

13 August – Speaking at Castle St Methodist Church

16 August – Supervision

6 September – Speaking at Abergavenny Baptist’s Ladies Fellowship

Plus … 24-7 Prayer Room 2023 – waiting for confirmation.

We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office on 01873 855414 or pop in for more details.

The Counselling Suite, one of the rooms for hire, at 7Corners Centre, Abergavenny

July 17, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

The IYE Festival – Saturday, July 8, 2023

What a day! Many thanks to all those who took part, either by being involved throughout the day or setting up and packing away … we couldn’t have done it without you! Also thanks go out to everyone for their generous contributions and support, to mention everyone individually would not be possible – you know who you are THANK YOU. Rain did not stop play, fun was had by all on the day with a wide range of activities and performances to enjoy – there are some very talented young people out there.

Ange with the new Mayor of Abergavenny Cllr Anne Wilde officially opening the IYE (below).

MEET OUR NEW CHAPLAIN

We are very pleased to introduce our new Chaplin Nigel Collins – some of you may have seen him at the IYE, he was the one taking the photographs!

Welcome Nigel we look forward to working with you.

And more rain…

Wednesday, July 12, saw Ange attending the Eisteddfod held at King Henry VIII School, representing the Starfish Mentoring Programme for the Salvation Army – due to the weather this was moved inside which meant that she didn’t get wet!

Behind the scenes . . .

Ange has been very busy drying out all the tents and equipment at the Centre that was used for the IYE – and now we’re pleased to report that she is taking a well-earned rest. To quote Horace Logan (1956 ref to Elvis) ‘Ange has left the building’ for a long deserved holiday. However, to quote Arnold Schwarzenegger (1984 re film The Terminator) ‘She will be back’. Happy holidays Ange enjoy your time in the garden and resting – from us all.

Fundraising | Charity Fundraising Online | You Spend Online, Brands Donate | Easyfundraising

June 19, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

Thanks to our volunteers

Volunteers Week takes place from June 1-7 very year. It’s a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you.

A Personal Thank You . . . Open letter to all our Volunteers:

Dear You know who you are,

Thank you so much for volunteering. Your willingness to give your time and service is greatly appreciated. Your support of 7Corners/HotSpot allows us to continue to fulfil our mission and serve the Young People in the community of Abergavenny and local environs.

Why is volunteering important?

As well as helping others, volunteering has been shown to improve volunteers’ wellbeing too. If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414 or email admin@7corners.org.uk

Funding for 7’s . . .

We are pleased to announce that funding has been awarded from Localgiving – Magic Little Grants to go towards the cost of our utility bills. This application was submitted in March 2023 – Thank you.

Gardening . . .

7Corners’ garden has been registered as a ‘Nature Isn’t Neat’ entry for this year’s Wales in Bloom. A repurposed MCC planter has been donated – including compost. Ange has been busy planting.

IYE Festival 2023 . . .

Have you spotted the first banner which went up on June 7? There will be plenty more to follow! DJ and Tech Workshops are now in progress. Not long now – Saturday, July 8, 2023, 10am to 6pm.

If you can help setting up and/or taking down tents and equipment, maybe throughout the day we would be very grateful. Please get in touch.

And that’s a wrap . . .

Salvation Army Children and Youth – “A great day spent in Abergavenny, Wales, filming our first ever professional Starfish Promo Video. Thanks to DYS George Martin, Ange Sampson, our fantastic Video Production Team and the staff and students of King Henry III School for their hard work and support!”

And finally . . .

We say goodbye to Nick Pryor our Chaplain who is moving on to pastures new with the Salvation Army – we will miss you. Nick is pictured with a print of the bandstand in Abergavenny’s Bailey Park, his leaving present from the Bridge to Cross Trustees.

May 21, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

Celebrations in May

How did you celebrate?

We pray for King Charles III, our new King. May he be inspired by his faith finding courage as he steps into his new challenge as monarch.

Lord Jesus be with King Charles. Amen

More Celebrating . . .

On 03 May 2023 Ange had a visit from the High Sheriff of Gwent, Prof Simon J Gibson CBE DL and his wife Sue in recognition of the award received from the High Sheriff’s Community Fund grant and the work undertaken by 7’s.

From left: Mrs Sue Gibson, consort to the High Sheriff’ Ange, and High Sheriff of Gwent Prof Simon Gibson in the counselling suite

Room hire . . .

We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. For more details: Telephone 01873 855414 or email admin@7corners.org.uk

The Chill Room, one of the rooms for hire, at 7Corners Centre, Abergavenny

IYE Festival 2023 . . .

Planning and preparation is moving on at a pace. Please put the following dates in your diary – Friday 07 July and Saturday 08 July 2023. We will need help on the Friday evening to make a start with the setup of the Festival tents and equipment also on Saturday morning to complete the setup and in the evening to pack everything away. Please if you can help at any of these times we would be very grateful. However, if you are unable to help we would be delighted to see you at the Festival on the day. Ange has now received the cheque from the Mayor’s Charity – thank you.

Other updates . . .

Barrie will be starting work shortly removing brambles etc to rear of property, clearing gutters, suppling and fitting door closers – this will mean that the door will not need to be locked and it shouldn’t blow open with the wind and weather!

May 5, 2023
by Caroline Woollard
0 comments

High Sheriff visits 7s

A charity which helps young people in Abergavenny had a special visitor on Wednesday, May 3, when the High Sheriff of Gwent dropped in.

Prof Simon Gibson and his wife Sue spent nearly two hours at the 7Corners Centre in the middle of the town, learning about the work of the charity when they met Ange Sampson, centre manager and Caroline Woollard, one of the trustees of the Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust, which owns and manages the 7Corners Centre.

From left: Mrs Sue Gibson, consort to the High Sheriff’ Ange Sampson, 7Corners Centre Manager; and High Sheriff of Gwent Prof Simon Gibson in the counselling suite at 7Corners Centre, Abergavenny

7Corners provides a safe, relaxed, environment where young people, aged 13 to 26, can meet each other as well as adults who can help them with their questions and anxieties in non-threatening and non-judgemental way.

Prof Gibson heard about how young people can drop into the centre’s café, enjoy film nights, and find a listening ear to point them in the right direction for advice on debt, alcohol and drug additions, and homelessness.

Ange and a dedicated team of volunteers also take the centre out into the town, using a caravan, or taking chairs to the bandstand in Bailey Park, to find and chat to young people, especially those who are falling by the wayside and who could do with some encouragement and support.

“It’s about being here in the centre so young people have somewhere to go, but also going out to be with them where they are,” said Ange. “We are there to chat, dish out hot chocolate and biscuits, and offer a path forward.”

Prof Gibson heard about some of the challenges young people face, including drug addiction, with youngsters smoking cannabis and young adults taking cocaine and ketamine, which Ange said was on the increase.

“We are also seeing very challenging behaviour with some young people from what we’re calling the Covid Cohort,” said Ange.

“These are young people who entered lockdown as 11 and 12-year-olds, emerging as teenagers. They may have experienced very little schooling, peer contact and social interaction, and at times can be confused and chaotic in their lives.

“It’s led to our teams being under fire lately, so we’ve reinforced boundaries of behaviour – while they may kick back against that at first, they do then realise we’re doing that because we care about them,” she added.

Like all charities the pandemic hit the centre’s activities, with organisations which previously used its rooms for hire finding other ways to meet. That has meant a drop in income and Prof Gibson saw what the centre has to offer during his tour, including a counselling suite and chill room. Both provide a place for confidential meetings or somewhere to have a change of scenery from working from home.

Prof Gibson was visiting the centre because it has received a High Sheriff’s Community Fund grant and he thanked the charity for all the work they do.

“The work you do here is wonderful,” he said. “It’s a great example of a much-needed public service.” For more information on hiring one of the rooms, the work of the centre, or volunteering, please ring 01873 855414 or email admin@7corners.org.uk.

April 22, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

April 2023 – The Covid Cohort

News from 7Corners – April 2023

He is risen – alleluia.

Funding for 7’s . . .

Last month we were pleased to write that we had received funding . . . this month we have been refused funding by two grant funders – which statistically is correct, unfortunately for every one successful award we receive there are two/three unsuccessful applications!

Other information from 7’s . . .

We are now seeing the ‘Covid Cohort’ attending our sessions at the Centre and out and about on HotSpot nights. What is the ‘Covid Cohort’ you may be asking, well it’s the group of Young People who entered into Covid lockdowns as 11 and 12 year olds emerging as teenagers. These Young People have experienced very little school attendance, peer contact and social interaction and can be at times very confused and chaotic in their lives and awkward in the communal setting. Our teams have been under fire lately – please remember them in your prayers. But also please remember these Young People.

Covid-19 and the effect on the local Young People – Overall, there has been a notable increase in anxiety and a sense of loss with the Young People known to our Project. A survey undertaken by Barnardo in October 2020 stated that ‘there were lockdown benefits such as getting to spend more quality time with their families and pets, and downsides like the uncertainty about school and exams, or a lack of access to regular support. Overall, however, there has been a notable increase in anxiety, sleep dysfunction, stress, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts and reduced self-esteem.

For some, Young People found comfort at home, spending time with parents, and siblings. However, for others, having to spend more time at home was difficult, and in some cases, dangerous. For Young People living in unsafe home environments, the trauma they may have already been dealing with may have escalated, or concentrated with no option of leaving the house.

Without supportive, protective structures, children exposed to physical, emotional, sexual or domestic abuse would have been less likely or able to make disclosures about abuse’.

The impact of the pandemic will be felt for some time to come and a higher number of Young People will continue to need our help and support. The success of 7’s initiative has indicated that it would be completely wrong to attempt to stop delivering our provision and has revealed the need to provide a place where Young People feel safe and confident to seek help when they have problems. Our work within the Community has no time line – as we continue to work with the most marginalised, we are mindful that change within these Young People will happen but not at a specified date or time.

Room hire . . .

Are you fed up of working from home? Want a change of scenery? We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. For more details: Telephone 01873 855414 or email admin@7corners.org.uk

IYE Festival 2023 Volunteers . . .

Please put the following dates in your diary – Friday 07 July and Saturday 08 July 2023. We will need help on the Friday evening to make a start with the setup of the Festival tents and equipment also on Saturday morning to complete the setup and in the evening to pack everything away. Please if you can help at any of these times we would be very grateful.

Finally . . .

As you may be aware, Cllr Tony Konieczny’s year as Mayor is coming to an end in May. This year he has been working towards raising funds for 7Corners, Help for Kharkiv, and Cwtch Angels. On Friday 21 April 2023 there was a Community Dinner. This event provided an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the hard work and achievements of those who go above and beyond for our community. The named projects spoke about what their donations will be going towards. Ange was present and this year’s dinner and asked that the donation goes towards funding of the IYE Festival.

March 7, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

All change at 7s…

We are sad to report that Lt Col Andrew Tuggy has stepped down as Patron of The Bridge to Cross. Andrew has supported our work for many years and for this we thank him for all that he has done. We welcome our new Patron Dame Claire Clancy DCB, Vice Lord Lieutenant. Claire has spent her career in public service culminating as Chief Executive and Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales from 2007 to 2017. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath (DCB) in recognition of her public service in Wales. We look forward to working with Claire.

Collaborative working with KHS

Ange has been a busy bee back and fore King Henry VIII School. This provides an excellent opportunity for her to meet Young People in their environment. For many months Ange has been playing a part in the Mentoring Programme ‘Starfish’. Last Thursday (02 February 22023) she attended the Careers Fair at KHS – 3^rd Sector Youth Working and Volunteering. This week Ange is busy at the school with 24-7 ‘Prayer Spaces’ in schools – Creating space in schools where pupils can pause to reflect or pray. Prayer Spaces enable children and young people, of all faiths and none, to explore life’s questions, spirituality and faith in a safe, creative and interactive way. Initially this was to run Tuesday to Thursday however, the School has requested an extra day Friday! The Prayer Spaces are run in conjunction with Children and Young People’s Mental Health week 06 – 12 February 2023. The Starfish Co-ordinator George was keen to take this initiative into the School because of the feedback from a Young Person who attend the 24-7 Prayer Room last October/November 2022 at 7’s – “I wish we had a space like this in our School”, year 9 Pupil. And the rest as they say is history.

IYE Festival 2023 . . .

Saturday 8^th July, Bailey Park, pencilled into MCC diary, pending paperwork and permissions. Make sure that you have it in your diary – you don’t want to miss this excellent day!

Volunteer clipart free clipart image image Needed!

If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414 or email admin@7corners.org.uk

Help get 2023 off to a great start for The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust by signing up to support us for FREE on #easyfundraising. You can raise donations whenever you shop online with over 7,000 brands including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Argos, M&S and more. Plus, once you’ve raised your first £5, easyfundraising will double it! Sign up today – it will make a BIG difference to us this year: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?invite=K2U7Y1&char=22484&referral-campaign=c2s&utm_source=referral-2023

January 25, 2023
by Caroline Woollard
0 comments

New year – new you….

Looking for a new challenge this year? Want to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable Young People in your Community? Why not put your skills to good use and join us at 7Corners?

Roles and Duties:

Café

Training/Tutoring

Fundraising

Accounts

Maintenance

Cleaning

Counselling

Outreach

PR/Publications

If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414 o email admin@7corners.org.uk

Money Matters…

Thank you to all who support The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust financially. If you would like to donate on a regular basis, why not sign up to our monthly giving scheme. Forms are available from the Centre.

Do you own a Limited Company or work for one which pays Corporation Tax? Would you or they be willing to make donations to 7Corners?

Your limited company can pay less Corporation Tax when it gives money to a charity.Deduct the value of the donations from your total business profits before you pay tax. There is no limit as such for limited company charitable donations however, you do need to retain the paperwork.

(For more information visit GOV.UK)

Giving comes in many different forms such giving of your talents, time or money.

5 Benefits of Giving

1) Giving makes us feel happy. …

2) Giving is good for health. …

3) Giving helps social connection. …

4) Giving evokes gratitude. …

5) Giving is contagious.

New year – new you?