SCOPE, PURPOSE AND IMPACT
The Centre of Help and Hope (CHH) is one of the structures within the Community Ministries’ Department (CMD), of the Willesden Seventh-day Adventist Church. It caters mainly for the humanitarian needs of the people in Brent who are in crisis, for example in need of urgent assistance, from an holistic perspective. This involves the mind, body and spirit, embracing prayer, physical support and the acquisition of a skill.
CHH is a community service initiative which was conceived in October 2016. It is staffed by volunteers and operates from a biblical standpoint, involving the five C’s of Caring:
- Compassion
- Confidentiality
- Communication
- Cooperation
- Commitment.
Accountability and equality are also embraced, whilst operating from a standpoint of integrity. Consequently, the aim of creating positive outcomes is achieved, through endeavouring to build interpersonal relationships.
As well as catering for anyone in need, CHH is committed to diversity and equality, working with and embracing people of any background and faith.
Since its inception, to the present time, CHH has, primarily, provided a food bank, clothing hub, a befriending service, educational empowerment programmes and a health screening service.
Our data indicates that a high percentage of our clients are families with children, the single housed or single homeless. They all represent the diverse community of Brent. People from the neighbouring boroughs are also included.
From an holistic standpoint, CHH aims to make a positive impact within our community and, indeed, beyond. This is paramount to the lives of our service users, regardless of their ‘crisis mode’, which we trust is reflected in our Vision and Mission Statements:
VISION STATEMENT: Touching lives, Changing Communities
MISSION STATEMENT: To empower everyone, everywhere, through education, support and love.
‘Demonstrating and proclaiming the unconditional love of Jesus in our community. Introducing Christ and His everlasting gospel to everyone, everywhere. Willesden Seventh-day Adventists; Our church; Your Home.’