Welcome to the first Sixty One newsletter. We called it ‘Together’ because this sums up what Sixty One is about. Great things are done when a series of small things are brought together. If those things are done in partnership with our Lord, then we really have a chance to build His Kingdom in an exciting way.
“Sixty One offers the churches a great opportunity to unite and take the light of Jesus’ unconditional love to those in prison. Together we can achieve great things.” Bishop Mike
Sixty One is a partnership, a partnership of charities, churches, businesses and people who by working together can achieve much more than they can on their own. If we are to achieve our ambitions we will only do it together. So huge thanks to those who have helped launch Sixty One. So what’s next! |
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Mentor Me
For an ex-prisoner, life after prison can be extremely hard, in fact a lot harder than prison itself. If you have no home, no job and no friends what incentive do you have to go straight? MentorMe is a Sixty One run project that trains people from the churches to be able to support prisoners after release.
Our volunteer mentors come from various backgrounds including builders, nurses, students, retired business men and women. We are careful to match suitable volunteers with the needs of those leaving prison.
We are looking for people who are reliable, understanding, show empathy and a desire to help those who are vulnerable and fearful about returning to life outside of prison. What is required are life experience and a good sense of humour! Our overall aim is to help an ex prisoners to succeed in helping him or herself.
Our next course for those considering becoming a volunteer mentor is:
Saturday 30th January 10am to 3pm & Monday 8th, 15th & 22nd February 7.30pm—9.30pm
Clifton Building, Trinity College, Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP
To book a place email alison a_t mentormeuk d_o_t org |
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‘Having completed the MentorMe training I can tell you it’s very thorough and helpful and it’s a privilege to now be working with an ex-prisoner. As a pastor I can really recommend this training for your church. It enables your congregation to help some of the most needy in society and share God’s love in a practical way. Osien Sibanda, Senior Pastor, God’s International House of Prayer |
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‘As founder of Bristol Together, a project that creates meaningful employment for ex-prisoners in the building trade, I could see that the Sixty One offered a great opportunity to work more effectively through partnership and sharing of resources. Currently ex-prisoners need this more than ever.’
Paul Harrod, Bristol Together. |
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You Are The Champions
One of the ways you can help make the vision of Sixty One real is to champion our work - if you have already agreed to do this, many thanks. A Champion’s role is really very simple. We ask that you promote Sixty One activities within your church. This may be things like the Christmas Gift project or mentoring training through our MentorMe project (see above for more information).
You may also be able to let people know how to give to our work, the easiest method being through our website www.sixty-one.org. Projects like the Christmas Gift initiative need funding, so any support from you, your church, your work or your friends is really appreciated. To find out how to become a Champion email alison a_t mentormeuk d_o_t org |
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The Christmas Gift Initiative
This Christmas 1,600 prisoners in HMP Bristol, HMP Leyhill and HMP Ashfield will receive a bag of Christmas gifts, including chocolate, Christmas cake, socks, shower gel and a notepad. In addition they will be offered a copy of St Luke’s Gospel. A big thank you to the churches* who came together at the end of November and packed the items, and write Christmas cards.
The idea came from one of our partners, Paul Harrod at Bristol Together. Paul was told by a prisoner that he never even received a card at Christmas; to all intents and purposes he was invisible to the world. No one should be alone in this world, and so out of this meeting the Christmas Gift Project has grown. Next year we want to extend this project beyond Bristol. If your church wants become involved email alison a_t mentormeuk d_o_t org
* Ebe, Emmanuel, Hope Chapel, St Christopher’s, St Matthew’s, Woodlands
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Please Pray
Please pray for the Christmas gift bags being distributed this Christmas, and in particular that many prisoners will take the option of receiving a copy of Luke’s Gospel and will be touched by its message.
Please pray that many prisoners will seek out support from MentorMe in response to the MentorMe leaflet which is included in all Christmas gift bags.
Please pray for our volunteer mentors, that God will equip them for this work and will surround them with his love and protection.
Please pray that more churches will want to become involved with Sixty One and nominate Champions from within their congregation.
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Please spread the word and pass on this newsletter to your friends. If you have received this from a friend, and would like to be put on our mailing list for the future, please send your email address to alison a_t mentormeuk d_o_t org
Merry Christmas.
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