TNT's deep dive to transform more lives....

On Saturday 14th September, three wonderful supporters of Transforming Notts Together, went skydiving to help us, help more people across Nottinghamshire. Two of our trustees, Bishop Peter Hill and Angela Painter, were joined by Steve Harwood, the husband of our Operations Lead, Leanne, to hurl themselves out of an aeroplane, 10,000 feet in the air! What an amazing feat! But why did they sign up to this? Read on to find out what their support (and yours) will mean for TNT and Nottinghamshire.

For 12 years, we have been working with over 300 churches, organisations and agencies across Nottinghamshire as we seek to help transform the lives of the neediest in our city and county. We do this by inspiring, equipping and connecting volunteers in local churches and communities to come alongside those who desperately need our love and offer to walk with them on their journey to a better life.

The depth of our work:

The poorest: As part of our Christian Action Network, last October we held a Housing Conference looking at how we (as Christians) can restore the affordable housing pathway. Over 160 people representing organisations, charities and churches, and individuals, discussed how currently unused land could be developed to create affordable housing using a Nottingham Investment Fund. You can read about it here: Housing.

The homeless: Our Wayfinder programme supports people affected by, or at risk of, homelessness. While there are a great number of organisations and charities supporting homeless people (in both the short and long term), the Wayfinder programme is different as it focuses on creating relationships through befriending. We know that people are less likely to break the cycle of homelessness when they are isolated and simply through walking alongside someone, meeting for coffee or a walk once a week, participants are able to build relationships and gain friendship and support from the volunteers we support. Can you help us, help more people break the cycle of homelessness?

The grieving: Transforming Notts Together equips churches to support grieving members of the community by running Grief and Loss workshops. These free workshops equip churches with the tools needed to establish grief and loss cafes, and meet the needs of visitors who may be at a range of stages on the grief journey. Last year, we supported 15 grief and loss groups across Nottingham City and County. Your donation will enable us to equip more churches looking to support people grieving in their community.

The lonely: Transforming Notts Together coordinates the Places of Welcome network across Nottinghamshire. We now have 76 Places of Welcome being held weekly in churches, libraries, community centres and more, offering a warm welcome to anyone who attends. These groups foster community and friendship and visitors will then often go on to access other groups and services offered by the host space. One visitor to Create and Calm, held in the Meadows, said; “Great coffee morning, lovely people, great free exercise class, friendly environment. Also sign-posting to other services so improves networking and support. A really valuable service.” Find out more (including how to find your closest PoW) by clicking here: Places of Welcome

Those struggling with their mental health: Mental health and wellbeing affects all of us. So how can the Church play its role in supporting wellbeing, and in walking the long road with those affected by mental ill-health? We equip churches to explore this complex issue with our Come As You Are training course, exploring a range of themes and issues centred on how best to support people struggling within the church (and wider community). These sessions are FREE for churches to attend. We know that people are struggling with their mental health, unsupported. Can you support us to run more workshops across the county?

And more: We are developing community hubs centred on supporting those in our communities who may need support with a range of needs. We have recently reshaped our Theory of Change and explored a new focus for the organisation based on seeking out opportunities for co-production with the local voluntary sector, City and District Councils, Nottinghamshire County Council Social Care and Integrated Care Board’s Place Based Partnerships. Our ultimate aim is endorsing and supporting greater co-production between the sectors with TNT being paid to coordinate and broker support with faith organisations at a local level. An exciting prospect!

You can support our work by sponsoring our three intrepid sky divers, which will allow us to increase our capacity to take this essential support work forward. Your generosity can help others fly!

Keep up to date with the work of TNT by following and liking our social media pages:

Facebook: Transforming Notts Together

Instagram: @transformingnotts

X: @TransformNotts

Thank you, in advance, for your support!