In September we redesigned our referral forms so that all our services at the Whole Child project were brought together under one request form. This has been a good way of ensuring that clients are aware of everything that’s on offer. We have seen a marked increase in those using our service as a result. The number of referring agencies using the service has also increased by over 50%. 901 people made use of our services at the Whole Child Project in 2003.

We gave away nearly 2500 childrens’ items to needy families last year.

We gave away over 20 baby boxes and 32 other baby items, such as cots, highchairs and buggies. We are indebted to a fantastic team of volunteers, who give many hours of their time to sort, wash and repair uniforms and other items in order to serve and support our community.

Wendy’s placement with us was arranged through Standguide. Wendy has been unemployed for 18 years. However, the root of her problem is that she can’t read or write. Not having these skills has sapped her confidence and virtually excluded her from the world of work. What she’d really like to do is work with the elderly. She realised this after caring for her auntie until she eventually died. But she needs to be able to read instructions, especially for medicines, if she is ever going to be as involved as she’d like. Standguide are currently helping her develop these Basic Skills. She is being tutored by them every morning but doesn’t find it easy. It feels like a big mountain for her to climb. Wendy has been coming to us three afternoons a week for about a month now: cleaning, washing laundry, putting together baby boxes, sorting bric-a-brac, cleaning silver! I asked her what she’d enjoyed doing most? She laughed at me, “I’ve already told you…. Everything! I like it all.”

I wondered if there was anything she could say she’d got out of it for herself? “Yes… I’m more confident. I used to be dead quiet. It’s fetched me out a bit more.” Wendy is reliable and works hard. It’s been good for her to feel useful, to see that her contribution is valued. It’s also been good for us to be made aware of how limiting it can be for people who are not able to read or write. We can so easily take what we have for granted.