During the past months during lockdown “Home” became of even more importance to all of us.
A place of shelter and safety despite the uncertainty of the outside world.
Throughout this period East Belfast Mission has been working hard to ensure that “Home” was something that everyone could have; somewhere where everyone could feel safe.
It also worked so that home could become so much more for those who are most vulnerable in our community-striving to make everyone’s home:
A PLACE OF SHELTER
Staff at its Hosford homeless Services worked diligently to successfully keep Hosford Hostel free of Covid-19 infection and to provide a safe space for our residents.
EBM’s tenancy support team continued to offer practical support to those who were at risk of homelessness.
A PLACE TO EAT EBM
East Belfast Mission supplied a hot daily meal to over 200 households throughout lockdown thanks to its Meals on Wheels service.
A PLACE TO TALK
With the support of church members and East Belfast Mission employees, EBM stayed in touch with those who are most isolated.
Its Care Counselling Service also continued to provide phone support to anyone in need.
A PLACE TO LEARN
Aspire Homework Project helped children and parents with home schooling via Zoom and have now been able to start meeting up in small, socially distanced groups.
Its Turas Irish Language project also brought learning into an additional 300 homes as they provided an innovative online learning environment.
A PLACE TO SUCCEED
EBM’s employability mentors continued to provide online and phone support, mentoring and opportunities to those struggling with long term unemployment as well as those who found themselves unemployed due to the difficulties of the current economic situation.
A PLACE TO WORSHIP
East Belfast Mission offered live worship online every Sunday and supported others offline with readings and prayers.
Throughout the past number of months East Belfast Mission has also appreciated being one of the community organisations that was part of the East Belfast COVID-19 SG.
The dedicated work of this group proved that the generous heart of East Belfast beats strong.
EBM’s Mission Superintendent, Rev. Brian Anderson, stated:
“ I am very proud that EBM was able to offer essential services to the community during the lockdown period of COVID-19.
It was a fantastic achievement and came from the sheer determination of staff and volunteers, that EBM would be there for people when they needed them”
You might not have realised that East Belfast Mission is a charity. Like all charities, it relies on our generosity and support to continue to provide its vital services.
This can mean making a one off or regular donation, fundraising by holding or attending an event or taking on a challenge. For more information about how to support East Belfast Mission click here.
It can also mean leaving a charitable gift in your Will.
If you would like to leave a gift in your Will to East Belfast Mission you can get in touch with their fundraising team at fundraising@ebm.org or call 028 9045 8560.
To help plan your Will why not download Will to Give’s FREE Will writing Guide here?
