Monday, 20 September 2021
Several hundred people flocked to the UCKG HelpCentre’s open house event ‘Liberty’ in the Rainbow Theatre, on Saturday 18 September, for family fun, food, entertainment, and to hear about the free support services on offer.
They came along from a wide cross section of the local community, from mid morning until early afternoon, in addition to the regular Soup Kitchen attendees. And with the Rainbow Theatre decked out in pink and blue balloons for the day, the lively atmosphere was palpable.
The Mayor of Islington, Councilor Troy Gallagher, toured the displays, talking to some of the volunteers who devote much of their spare time to helping their community, and came away mightily impressed.
“Absolutely wonderful,” he said. “The volunteers were amazing, helping to build up their community from the basis of shared experience. Such authentic voices can only be transformational.”
He met members of VYG, the UCKG’s youth group for 14-25 year olds, which helps young people to be the best versions of themselves and assists those who have been in gangs, done drugs, abusive behaviour and worse to turn their lives around.
Energetic dance moves by members of the younger teens group Universal Teen Force also gained his admiration, along with the entertainment for small children, which proved particularly popular with local mums.
This offered face painting, a mini bouncy castle and ball pond, and a chance to dance, all provided by the volunteers who normally look after church attendees’ little ones during services.
Activities for adults ranged from blood pressure testing to manicures and pedicures, run by the Patient Care Group and Caleb, the seniors group respectively. Both groups are open to all as is the newly created Beat Depression Group, set up recently in response to the mental health crisis emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been a pleasure creating this event for our neighbours and friends,” said David Nzuruba, the UCKG’s community outreach manager. “Thanks and much credit are due to all our dedicated volunteers, for their dedicated long term commitment to helping people.”
ENDS
Note to editors
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckg.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
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