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Supporting those who need it most

Spring Appeal 2010

Dear Friend of BCM,

Our work at BCM encompasses a range of projects seeking to offer a helping hand to those who need it most. We believe that each individual should have the opportunity to reach their full potential whatever their age or circumstance and that with your help we can make a difference.

Please will you make a donation to help?

As we have shivered our way through this winter I have been particularly aware of the older people in our community. Some have had difficulties just trying to stay warm while many have faced long, lonely days. I was appalled when told that a survey had revealed that thousands of elderly people die alone in their homes every year without being noticed and increasing numbers spend their final years in abject isolation. There are many in our ageing population who are "losing the will to live" through a lack of personal contact with friends or visitors. In the worst cases, single pensioners are driven to depression and suicide. It paints a depressing picture which all of us at BCM are anxious to change.

Even a small donation from you will help to make that change.

A leading charity which works with older people believes the key factors contributing to social inclusion include:

  • good mental and physical health
  • good social networks
  • opportunities for civic participation and cultural activities
  • suitable information, advice, advocacy and redress

BCM’s community support service activities address many of these factors. Whilst some of these activities have been running for many years e.g. Lunch Club, Holidays, Befriending, others have been added recently following suggestions from our older volunteers and those who avail of our services e.g. Tea Dances, Movie Shows. I’m sure you would be delighted to see the response to the Tea Dances and how popular they are becoming.

I consider myself to be very privileged to meet many of the older people who enjoy the activities. It is with great pleasure that I watch them dance around the Grosvenor Hall or chat to their companions. Those who are befriended speak of the difference to their lives those regular visits have made. One lady who attended a recent showing of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ told one of our volunteers how she was absolutely thrilled to be there.

We really need you to help if we are to continue offering such a wide range of activities or perhaps to extend them as we see the need or the opportunity arise. If you would like to donate whatever you can afford please complete and return the attached form.

We will be very grateful for whatever you choose to give and will use it to help alleviate social isolation and "quite literally help take away some of the aches and pains associated with older age" (Dr J Skinner QUB).

"If you would like to make a donation please click on 'Making a Donation' (left) to find out more or Click the 'donate' button. "

Thank you for your support.

Rev Richard Johnston
Superintendent

P.S. Feelings of aloneness, despair, distress and worry can impact on an older person’s mental and physical health. Thank you for giving whatever you can afford to help improve the quality of life of many local older people.

For further information please contact:

Lorna Henry, Fundraising Coordinator
Email: lhenry@belfastcentralmission.org
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 1917
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