RAFFA - February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

RAFFA

SERVING COMMUNITIES NEAR AND FAR

IN THIS ISSUE Celebrating Windrush Generations Spotlight on our Seniors House of Praise is a House of Hope What's On in 2019

Now, these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Cost: £2 / Issue

WELCOME

Happy 2019 to you and welcome to the Winter edition of RAFFA News.

The newsletter has been designed to keep you updated about the various projects and activities that RAFFA has been involved with throughout the year; it also give you a platform to share information about the various social action initiatives taking place on a national and international level.

Our overall vision is to “Serve communities near and far” to enhance the lives of others. RAFFA works in collaboration with the Church of God of Prophecy’s global mission for evangelism and outreach. Our social action is Christian faith-based, but is not limited to working with people solely within our faith community. We look to find solutions that will improve the well-being of those in need, which can be done through the giving of our time, resources and expertise. RAFFA focuses on seven core pillars: Business and Enterprise Health and Well-being International Development Leadership and Community Management Learning & Skills Development Volunteering for Social Action Youth In 2018 RAFFA celebrated 12 years of serving communities in the UK and around the world. Here are just a few of the highlights for us this year.

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12 Anniversary 2006 - 2018

G N I V R SE S E I T I N U M M CO R A F D N A R A E N

THANK YOUÂ ANGELA CLARKE MA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RAFFA

RAFFA would like to thank you for the work that you are doing within your respective communities to advance social action.

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RECOGNISING AND CELEBRATING THE WINDRUSH GENERATIONS As well as the Windrush ‘scandal’ there have been a number of events and activities organised this year to recognise and celebrate 70 years of the NHS in the UK and 70 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush on the shores at Tilbury Docks.

As part of RAFFA’s Windrush Generation Social Action Programme, we have continued to collaborate with the Home Office to enable communities and individuals to be supported. Many churches including CoGoP House of Praise have opened their doors and hosted Celebration Services whilst allowing the Home Office to come in and engage, offering ‘one to one’ interviews in a surgery style format.

We have received positive reports from churches who have made their own arrangements directly with the Home Office Outreach Team as well as those where RAFFA have directly arranged Generation Celebration Services and Surgeries of the many people have received help in resolving status.

One church reported 13 people so far alone and we are awaiting further reports from the Home office on those supported in other locations. We give God thanks and praise for his infinite mercy.

As part of the celebrations RAFFA received an invitation to attend Southwark Cathedral for a special thanksgiving service entitled 70/70 Vision, History, Legacy: Tales and voices of Windrush and beyond. The service focused on the contribution of the Windrush Generation that came to Britain and on those who went to work in the NHS. The stories echoed those that we had heard during our Windrush Generation Celebration Services across the country entitled ‘Hope is Contagious’ Sister Ava Johnson (CoGoP, Park Lane) described how nurses who had arrived in Britain, alongside other skilled and unskilled workers have been major contributors to the British NHS since its inception. She explained that without their input, it is likely that the NHS might not have survived.

Despite being invited by the British Government, no preparation had been made to receive them. As a result, far from the welcome they expected, these, nurses, midwives and other workers were introduced into a largely hostile social and work environment. We heard many stories of the challenges faced by black people of the ‘Windrush generation’ – experiences of racism, isolation and rejection as they tried to fulfil the duties they were assigned. Many found that their qualifications from the Caribbean were not validated in Great Britain and they had to work twice as hard to ‘regain’ the recognition and professional levels they arrived with. Many never did.

RAFFA invited Dawn Butler MP to one of the Windrush Generation Services in London.

She very kindly accepted and gave an impassioned speech about remembering our history and using the knowledge of the past as volition to push toward the future.

She went on to refer back to the choreographed dance performed by four young people earlier, quoting Isaac Newton, ‘‘if I have seen further it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants,’ to give an example of legacy. Also mentioning the boldness and emotion of the dance displayed, a confidence that was an appropriate tribute to the Windrush generation.

The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood also attended a RAFFA Windrush Generation Service and delivered a speech which spoke of some of the great achievements of the early black African and Caribbean community and how their contribution to the UK is a lasting legacy.

During 2018 Windrush Generation Services including Home Office Surgeries were held across London, Birmingham, Bristol and Sheffield.

Further dates are planned for the Home Office Outreach Team to attend Regional and National Convocations across the country.

If you know of anyone who may need support, there is a dedicated task-force available to provide information, support and advice by contacting Freephone 0800 6781925.

Photos below include: Sis Ava Johnson speaking at COGOP Park Lane.

Angela Clarke, CEO RAFFA with Dawn Butler, MP Cllr Arshad Mahmood, Mayor of Brent

RAFFA spotlight on the Seniors

Pastor Aldin Young

For many years RAFFA has supported the Regional Senior Director - London and South East, Cynthia Rose and her team with their annual trips away. Over the years the trips have continued to empower and inspire the elders to travel further afield, some with the help of carers, other with the support of children or family members. Some of the places visited have included Guernsey, Jersey, Gibralta, Cuba, Italy and more recently, a mediterrean cruise. Up to 50 Seniors travel at any one time with the support of a small team who provide support and arrange activities. One of the significant things about the trips is that where ever they travel to, there is a formal church service including Lord supper organised, whether it be in a hotel or on a cruise ship.

'It is a rewarding ministry to be a part of and just knowing that lives are being positively impacted both physically as well as spiritually is what keeps people coming back year after year.

The trips are attended by people from different denominations, all over the country, as well as individuals from various communities.

RAFFA SPOTLIGHT ON SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVES HOUSE OF PRAISE, BRISTOL - BISHOP RAY VEIRA

Every Wednesday, a food bank is held at the church catering to the people of Easton. They have serviced over 2000 meals over a 3 year period.

RAFFA truly believes that Faith based social action happens when people of faith work together, often with others outside their faith community, in order to achieve real and positive change within their local community, or in wider society. It springs from the application of spiritual principles, for the betterment of society and the improvement of people’s lives.

There are lots of examples of Social Action initiatives taking place from within our churches and many of these are impacting members of the community in a phenomenal way. RAFFA will be regularly highlighting these in an effort to share best practice, raise awareness and just celebrate the great work that is being done.

We so often hear about ‘what the church isn’t doing’ but we want to focus on and celebrate what our churches are doing within and for the local community.

HOUSE OF PRAISE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY, based at 2 Tudor Road, Bristol has a long tradition of catering to the SOCIAL and PRACTICAL NEEDS of its members, and their loved ones. Over the last 5 years this church has also operated a SOCIAL FUND, which caters to the social needs of its own members and their loved ones.

Social Action Lead - Brother Lloyd Grant provided the information on some of the initiatives that support the local community in Bristol.

FOOD BANK - Every Wednesday, a food bank is held at the church catering to the people of Easton. Foodstuff is provided by the church and some of the members help in preparation and serving. They have serviced over 2000 meals over a 3 year period.

BLACK BOY’S CAN - The church has a local franchise National Black Boys Can Association. This charity was set up in Birmingham in 1999 to raise the academic and social aspirations and achievements of Black Boys.

Black boys remain one of the lowest achieving groups of pupils in the UK. Our church runs a Supplementary School to meet the educational needs of both young boys, and girls from the church and wider community.

We also prepare the older children for their GCSE exams.

ONE25 Charity. One25 is a charity which reaches out to women who are trapped in, or vulnerable to, street sex work, supporting them to break free and build new lives away from violence, poverty, and addiction, including drug addiction. Our church has supported this charity financially for many years.

Bishop Raymond Veira, House of Praise, Bristol

NILAARI. Nilaari is a Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) charity specialising in culturally appropriate programmes and counselling for mental health problems, offending & re-offending behaviour, plus problematic substance abuse. It offers therapies and programmes tailored to individuals based in inner-city Bristol. It also offers Cultural Confidence and Competence Training courses to community, statutory and non-statutory organisation, including University of West of England. Our Bishop and Pastor Raymond serves as chairperson and board member of this group.

FRIENDS OF CASWELL THOMPSON PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS . This committee was spearheaded by members of the Church of God of Prophecy in Bristol almost 2 years ago and has been promoting Prostate Cancer awareness. It is the only group of its kind targeting Black men in Bristol & beyond. The need for such a service is pressing, as this is the most common cancer in UK men.

PRISON MINISTRY/SUPPORT. Each month members of this local church visit a local prison, offering ministry, support and hope to the inmates.

1 in 4 (1/4 of) Black men are affected by it, compared to 1:8 men in the general population.

Early Blood Test screening of Black men over 45 years can save lives. I serve on this committee including medical input. Our Bishop Raymond is committee secretary.

If you would like your Social Action Projects to be featured in our newsletter please send details to admin@raffa.org.uk

RAFFA supports children in Jamaica

GOLDEN AGERS LUNCHEON CLUB. Older members of our church and the surrounding community meet here twice per week for social interaction, fellowship, excursions, skills sharing plus training. This group serves an important function in reducing levels of social isolation, loneliness and mental ill health that is more prevalent in this age group.

Share your story with us

Unity infant Primary school in Luna, St Mary Jamaica was fitted out with computers, wall art, computers, desks, chairs and accessories.

All new students received goody bag with books pencils. maths set.

The handing over ceremony for the IT Suite was attended by Minister of Education, Hon Ruel Reid, His Excellency, George Seth Romocan and Mrs Romacon.

RAFFA along with Grace Foods and Victoria Mutual supported the Angel Foundation's initiative to build the IT Suite.

RAFFA not only provided technical support but also donated over 300 Composition books to support the children's education. We received recognition from the Jamaica Minister of Education and the Jamaican High Commisioner UK but RAFFA also accepted an official certificate of appreciation from Angel Foundation for its support with this initiative.

ON THE 14TH OF DECEMBER THE WINDRUSH FOUNDATION COORDINATED THE WINDRUSH PIONEERS & CHAMPIONS EVENT TO CELEBRATE 70 YEARS. Hosted by the Windrush Foundation, this event was the last Windrush Event following 70 year celebration. Arthur Torrington, the founder of the Windrush Foundation, was responsible for organising the event which was also sponsored by the National Lottery. It was a very effective event attended by hundreds of people including but not limited to: the mayor of Lambeth, baroness Floella Benjamin OBE and many more.

WINDRUSH IN THEIR OWN WORDS Hosted by the Windrush Foundation, this event was the last Windrush Event following 70 year celebration. Arthur Torrington, the founder of the Windrush Foundation, was responsible for organising the event which was also sponsored by the National Lottery. It was a very effective event attended by hundreds of people including but not limited to: the mayor of Lambeth, baroness Floella Benjamin OBE and many more.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENING Dame Floella Benjamin, a Trinidadian-British actress, author, television presenter, singer, businesswoman and politician who is also a Patron for the The Windrush Foundation, attended the event and gave an address to those in attendence

Arthur Torringotn

Ebony Torrington Gayle (left) is the daughter of Arthur Torrington who is the founder of the Windrush Foundation.

She helped to organise the event and RAFFA will be collaborating with them during 2019 in the run up to Windrush Dat – 22nd June – and Windrush Family Day – the Sunday after. A time to share stories around the dinner table.

NEW CAMPAIGN Giving the gift of life.

To donate or not to donate, that is the question.

We've teamed up with the NHS to talk about organ donation.

Deemed consent is due to become law in England this spring and the plan is to implement it from 2020.

In a recent survey published by NHSBT, 34% of adults from BAME communities supported organ donation, 33% opposed organ donation and 33% had not formed a view. The same survey asked about the barriers to organ donation. The top reason, given by 27% of adults from BAME background, was because organ donation was perceived as being “against my culture and religion”.

We will be teaming up with the NHS to discuss organ donation with RAFFA team members visiting our local churches to discuss Deemed Consent.

Visit our website for an update schedule of these discussions www.raffa.org.uk

RAFFA continues to raise awareness about issues that affect the social, emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of individuals.

Under the umbrella of Health and Well-being RAFFA continues to raise awareness about issues that affect the social, emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of individuals.

RAFFA has been invited to take part in a number of initiatives and workshops an effort of providing information support and guidance.

RAFFA supported Faith and Hope Ministries in London to put on an evening of presentations around the menopause covering signs, symptoms and myths.

First lady Juliet Wandera who had the initiative was supported by qualified nutritionist Rochelle Logan Rogers to deliver this workshop that edified and informed those who attended.

RAFFA produced the information and handouts for all those who attended and also provided a short presentation with question and answer sessions.

In Birmingham as part of the Accelerate workshops RAFFA was invited to support this event by presenting a workshop entitled women and food a relationship. Those who attended the workshop share their experiences listen to the information facts and figures importantly the emotional aspects around health and well-being.

RAFFA supports the delivery of Social action projects that are carried out by individuals or groups of people working together for the good of others and not for profit.

The objective of these projects is to bring about social change that will benefit an individual, communities or society.

RAFFA supports the development of the skills, provides knowledge and helps with the planning and implementation of social action projects. We work with individuals, group and organisations to deliver social action that enhances community life.

We recognise the importance of having projects that are principled, well-planned and makes use of local–global links. Projects we support engage with issues such as reducing poverty and inequality, raising awareness about the importance of health and well-being, community cohesion and collaborations.

RAFFA seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and social issues that affect different communities around the world. We are able to help you identify and engage networks that will help you achieve your goals.

Community partners will advise on potential sources of funding and/or mentor participants.

If you are interested in setting up a social action project or would like help with developing an existing project please make contact.

What's On In 2019...

8th March .......................

International Women’s Day World Kidney Health Day

5th April .......................

RAFFA Love in Action Fundraising Event

7th April .......................

World Health Day

15th May .......................

International Day of the Family

19th April ........................

RAFFA Love in Action Fundraising Event

14th June .......................

World Blood Donor Day

18th July .......................

Nelson Mandela Day

21st September ..............

Alzheimer’s Day

29th September ..............

World Heart Day

1st October .......................

International Day of the Elderly

5th October ........................

Respect of Elderly Conference

6th – 13th October ............

Mental Illness Awareness Week

7th November ....................

National Cancer Awareness

14th November ..................

National Children’s Day

26th November ..................

RAFFA 13th Anniversary

29th November ..................

RAFFA Love in Action Fundraising Event

What is International Women's Day? International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women's network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women's Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others.

International Women's Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity.

International Women's Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action whatever that looks like globally at a local level.

But one thing is for sure, International Women's Day has been occurring for well over a century and continue's to grow from strength to strength.

Learn about the values that guide IWD's ethos.

Read more online: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About

Are you Kidney Aware?

Kidneys are essential to our health. They get rid of excess water and toxins, regulate blood pressure Make red blood cells, keep bones strong Kidneys are normally very efficient but when they are damaged or lose function over time, this is known as chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CKD affects over 3 million people in the UK but up to a million of these people may be undiagnosed. The biggest risk to CKD is from uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. Other causes include problems with the immune system, infections or having an inherited kidney condition.

Read more online: https://www.worldkidneyday.co.uk/areyou-kidney-aware/

RAFFA 5th April 2019

Fundraiser

WE

TOGETHERÂ

CAN WILL

STOP THE VIOLENCE

2019 London Stabbing Incidents...

January 1 - Charlotte Huggins, 33, stabbed to death in Camberwell January 1 - Tudor Simionov, 33, stabbed to death in Park Lane January 1 - Two men - also security guards - aged 37 and 29, and a woman, aged 29, were also stabbed at the private party in Park Lane. They had come to Tudor's aid during the attack January 5 - A mum in her 30s was fighting for her life and two others wounded in a triple stabbing in broad daylight in Leyton, East London on January 5. She was attacked in front of her two children January 5 - Man, 26, found suffering from knife wounds in Newham January 8 - Jaden Moodie, 14, stabbed to death in Waltham Forest January 11 - Woman in her 50s stabbed in Wallington January 19 - Two men, aged 20 and 18, attacked and stabbed in Edmonton January 20 - Man, 57, found with stab injury in Kew January 27 - Kamil Malysz, 34, stabbed to death in Acton January 29 - Nedim Bilgin, 17, stabbed to death in Islington February 3 - Two teens found with knife wounds "may have been attacked in Feltham Park", Met Police say February 5 - Lajean Richards, 19, stabbed to death in Battersea February 5 - Teenager, 18, rushed to hospital after being stabbed at around 1am on Drummond Street, near Euston station in central London.

February 6 - Teen boy stabbed on London bus in Hackney February 8 - Two males - aged 16 and 28 years old – were found suffering from stab wounds in Wood Green February 9 - Man, 23, in critical condition after being knifed in Neasden February 9 - Boy, 16, suffers stab wound after a fight in Hayes February 10 - Dennis Anderson, 39, stabbed to death in East Dulwich February 18 - Man stabbed to death in Euston Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8104412/london-stabbings-2019-latest-knifecrime-statistics-attacks-knife-death-euston/