Mayor's Charities
MAYOR'S CHARITIES 2008 - 2009 : Daisy Chain and Justice First
Of all of the money raised for these worthwhile charities during the year, 75% will go to Daisy Chain and 25% to Justice First.
DAISY CHAIN
Daisy Chain deals every day with families from across the Tees Valley, families who have children with autism.
We don't know the cause and there is no cure. It is a 'permanent developmental condition' that leaves youngsters cut off from the everyday world around them, living life in their own little bubble.
Often they neither need nor seek a kiss and cuddle with their mum and dad. They don't understand why it is needed. This is often one of the hardest traits for a concerned, committed and loving parent to cope with.
They may not understand facial expressions - so it is no point looking angry, happy, frustrated or loving - they don't understand. It does not compute.
Similarly, tones of voice are not deciphered.
Well-known phrases can be taken literally. Tell a child with autism to pull up their socks and they will!
Often autism is accompanied by other learning disabilities leaving a child needing expert care and attention virtually round-the-clock.
This all leads to great strains on families. A Mencap survey in 2006 entitled 'Breaking Point - Families Still Need A Break' showed that there is so little respite care for these families that they are experiencing ill health and leading diminished lives. 7 out of 10 of these families come close to breaking point because of this lack of services.
Daisy Chain is working to prevent this crisis. It provides respite care and support for families and carers, who have children with autism.
It provides weekly LINKS group meetings, which are informal and aimed as much at having fun and providing relaxation as they are about providing specialist speakers.
Half term and school holidays can be a source of dread - these children need routine and react badly to change. Daisy Chain provides a wide range of activities and events at it's base at Calf Fallow Farm in Norton, trips to the cinema and visits to the swimming baths where they are among familiar faces doing familiar things…another 'routine' if you like.
This year Daisy Chain started building a Day Centre. But at a cost of half a million pounds it isn't cheap.
Daisy Chain
Calf Fallow Farm, Calf Fallow Lane
STOCKTON-ON-TEES, TS20 1PF
Tel: 01642 531248; Fax: 01642 550652; e-mail: info@daisychainproject.co.uk
Company Limited by Guarantee No. 4763989 Registered Charity No: 1109792
Justice First Working with people in the Tees Valley who are seeking asylum
Justice First works with some of the most marginalised people in our community.
Imagine what years of brutal war can do to the lives of individuals. People from areas of conflict around the world who may have suffered persecution or witnessed unspeakable atrocities flee to the UK to ask for protection.
There are many myths surrounding asylum - some people think that the UK is the biggest destination for refugees. In fact, the reality is that most of the world's refugees are looked after by the poorest countries - Europe cares for just 18%.
For most people who claim asylum, although the pain of their personal experience is recognised by the Home Office, they are unable to meet the very high threshold of proof needed to demonstrate that they would be at risk on return. They must meet this threshold before they are granted refugee status or found to be eligible for humanitarian protection in the UK. Many are refused asylum, even though they may have very genuine reasons for not wishing to return to a dangerous country.
For many, who may have lost their homes and families, this is a time of fear and uncertainty - social isolation, loss of dignity and sometimes, sadly, public hostility can lead to despair.
Justice First tries to reach out to those in despair. We try to help individuals who have been refused asylum deal with their problems. We can help them to find legal representation and emergency support if they are destitute.
Some of our clients are victims of horrific abuse and we work closely with the Medical Foundation for the care of Victims of Torture which provides Trauma Therapy and helps people deal with intrusive flashbacks of their experiences of torture.
We work with other organisations and most importantly with the people of Tees Valley whose friendship, concern and support is giving hope to desperate people. The rewards are immense - our local communities have become enriched by the sharing of such diverse cultures.
We are not a government funded organisation therefore fundraising is an important part of our work. Although we do have a lot of very capable and conscientious volunteers, we do still need funding to meet our overheads and help our clients with legal fees, travel and sourcing documents to enhance their case.
Most of our income comes from the good will and support of the people from the Tees Valley. We are constantly looking for new funding opportunities and are always grateful for any help received whether in kind or in cash. If Justice First can help alleviate some of peoples suffering and right some wrongs we will be well on our way to achieving our aims.
Mary, one of our clients, has said, "I think Justice First is a wonderful charity which is dedicated to helping people who are disadvantaged. You are putting your hearts into helping the helpless"
Justice First Limited
9 Cromwell Avenue
STOCKTON ON TEES
TS18 2EF
Tel 01642 601122
Fax 01642 601109
www.justice-first.org.uk
Email justice-first@btconnect.com
Company Limited by Guarantee No 5762730
Charity Registration No 1116388
