Guildford Action: Enhancing Lives

May 30, 2024| Guildford Action, Current Issue

Local charity Guildford Action provide a safe, non-judgmental refuge for people who’ve fallen through the net, or out of everyday society.

Some need practical help with essentials like food, shelter, clean clothes and healthcare. We provide them; because when people have the basics, they can start to put the rest of their lives back together. And we’re also here for those who just need support to get through the day, and to remember what normal, respectful, positive relationships look like. Through physical and emotional support, we help people reconnect with society and themselves, rebuild their self-esteem and recover their identity and sense of belonging.

Joanne Tester Chief Executive, Guildford Action

Fields Community Lunches

Over 25 years ago when I started working for Guildford Action I was invited to a community lunch at St Peter’s Church. The amazing ex-social worker and social researcher Elizabeth Fry who attended the church and lived locally was at the helm of starting up these lunches to encourage community cohesion and bring a group of people together to serve the community.
I have always had a huge passion for the area as it was where my Mum grew up and where my Grandparents lived for over 50 years.
Over the years these lunches have been focussed on doing rather than just talking. We set up the Fields Playscheme that ran for several years by local people for local children and funding was secured for a ‘Fields Family Worker’ which I was lucky enough to do for 4 years.
In more recent times we have looked at local data and resources and a small team of committed people continue to fight for services for the community. This year, Poyle Charities kindly funded 36 spaces for residents to become Mental Health First Aiders and we hope to introduce Mental Health Ambassadors over the coming year.
We would love more community members and residents to come to the lunches. You don’t have to commit to anything but your experiences and opinions are invaluable to us and we would love to see more of you. The next lunch is on 22nd October 2024 at 12.30 at St Peter’s Church. If you would like to come or hear more about what we do, please contact joannetester@guildfordaction.org.uk

Slyfield Allotment

Guildford Action has secured some allotment space for the coming year. What was a large patch of grass, is now looking more allotment-like! It is a space where we want local people to enjoy. Even if you don’t feel like picking up a spade, but want to come and sit and have a cup of tea and chat we would love to see you. All surplus produce will be taken to The Community Pantry. For more information, please contact emmakleboe@guildfordaction.org.uk

Guildford Action

Guildford Action is a local charity who have always been involved in The Bellfields and Slyfield Communities. We have just started a GAF group at St Peter’s Church every Friday from 9.30am to 12 noon, all are welcome to pop in for a coffee and a chat. For more information, please contact sonyasewell@guildfordaction.org.uk

Big Brothers Big Sisters

You may have heard of our mentoring programme called Big Brother Big Sister. We are matching adult mentors with children who would benefit from a consistent and stable adult to walk alongside them. We want people from all backgrounds, you don’t need experience you just need to be committed to wanting to make a difference. Training is given. If you would like more information, please contact vickycoppinger@guildfordaction.org.uk

Telephone: 01483 560 003
E-mail: info@guildfordaction.org.uk
www.guildfordaction.org.uk

Guildford Action is an independent registered charity, which has been working within the local community for over 30 years helping individuals experiencing homelessness as well as isolated families.

Our mission is to ‘Enhance the lives of all those we come into contact with’ through looking after their emotional needs, as well as their physical safety.