Page 6 - HUB Winter 2021

CHADD A talk by the CEO Anna Walsh

When Anna came to update the Club on CHADD’s increase in referrals of 35% since the pandemic with 77
activities, I believe that most members were taken by having to be turned away and referred elsewhere. There is
surprise with their varied activities. Her first statement was also an increase of 30% in outreach work in this area.
that they provide home and support – a safety net and Lockdown caused a balancing of decisions to be made but
springboard to enable people to thrive. there were no outbreaks, only two contracting Covid whilst
She explained that theirs is a charitable concern which is in hospital. They have maintained a team spirit and
small but growing as they have merged with Langstone supported staff with none being furloughed. Remote
Society, thus increasing the staff by 120 and doubling their activities have kept people engaged. However there has
overall workforce. They are now in new offices at Brindley been an increase of 33% in the homeless, 72% on benefits
House which has some community space. They have a 5 and 58% using foodbanks with food and fuel poverty rising
year strategic plan of capital investment, including £390k as well as a decline in general well-being, social skills and
for Rotary House, first to renew the three boilers but then confidence. Response Kids Holiday Club, meals, activities
more improvements. on line and 400 food parcels being delivered to CHADD
Their support extends to young people and families with tenants have kept them busy. However with 80% of residents
housing and activities and support with parenting, CV’s etc. and tenants vaccinated, they hope to return to a more
They also support individual living and care services for relaxed social life with less anxiety.
those with mental health issues and also learning and
physical disabilities. Sheltered housing and outreach Possible projects
services are provide for older people such as in Rotary Young People into employment Employment Coach for two
House. Almost full occupancy is achieved by offering years Playground at the Women’s Refuge where there are
incentives for the smaller less popular flats. 14 flats with about 130 women per year and 150 children
passing through. The Playground is currently being
They have had a Women’s Refuge in Dudley for 37 years to
meet the needs of over 130 women a year including their researched for actual costs as their initial costs were
children in 14 flats. Sadly domestic abuse has seen an unrealistic.

Fred Jones Target Bowls Evening at the Hilly House

Our first real social event of the new Rotary Year was held on Wednesday 14th July with 27 Rotarians and partners
enjoying a summer’s evening with bright sun and a slight breeze. Perfect. The green was in excellent condition compared to
our previous experience at another venue when we were bowling on hard soil. We were aiming at – but not often hitting -
the targets … 3 points if on the red, 2 on the green and 1 on the black.
Perhaps the sun was in our eyes, or
we could not bend down low enough
or the bowls simply rolled over the
target and off? It didn’t really matter
as everyone enjoyed their drinks and
chatted whilst waiting their turn. The
wining team was Bob and Gill who
scored an amazing 19 points and
President Colin presented them with
the Fred Jones Memorial Trophy

(his Paul Harris medal) and a bottle of wine. It was fitting that Colin had
invited Fred’s son to join us for the evening with his wife Jackie. Close
second with 14 points were Tim and John Clark followed by joint thirds with
12 points the Jones and Knipe teams. The activity ended with a Knockout
Round which Trish won for the ladies and David Loftus for the men.
Finger or thumb? Brief instructions on how to do it and then the
demonstration..
The question as to how Trish and David both managed to score on the red!?
Then it was time for some food and more drink as the staff at the Hilly
House delivered our meals as we all chatted on our tables of four. A happy
ending to a very pleasant evening of three hours of fellowship with our
thanks to David and Roger for organising this annual event once again as
freedom nears and activities can begin.