Borderline
As the Church of Scotland London Advisory Service's project to support homeless and insecurely housed Scots in London, Borderline helps vulnerable Scots find a way forward by offering a range of services including access to accommodation, information, advice and support. It has four staff members and in the last year has seen and tried to help 1,700 clients. It needs an income of a quarter of a million pounds in order to do this. The trustees of COSLAS/ Borderline are appointed by St Columba's and Crown Court. The minister of St. Columba's is a trustee together with three members of the congregation. For more information about Borderline please contact the Chairman Alan Mackie on alanbmackie@btinternet.com.
West London Action for Children (WLAC)
West London Action for Children offers services which include counselling, therapy and group projects to help children in need and their families in the London Boroughs of Hammermith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea. The children face a complex number of challenges that include poverty, poor housing, ill health, separation, every kind of abuse as well as developmental and family pressures. St Columba's has worked closely with WLAC for several decades providing support through fundraising events, financial and practical help. The Associate Minister contributes as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees and volunteers are welcomed gratefully. For more information please contact Camille Cook (trustee) on camillecook@btinternet.com
Christian Aid
Christian Aid began life in 1945 as Christian Reconciliation in Europe, responding to the needs of refugees and churches in Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War. In 1949 it became an integral part of the British Council of Churches (now CTBI) as the Department for the Inter-Church Aid and Refugee Service, becoming involved with world refugee settlement and justice issues. In 1964 the organisation changed its name to Christian Aid after its best known source of income, Christian Aid Week, which began in 1957. Since its inception Christian Aid has worked on long term development projects where the need is greatest, working with people and communities regardless of race or creed. Today it works in over 60 of the world's poorest countries. Each year in May as part of Christian Aid Week a team of approximately 20 members of the congregation of St Columba’s join together to raise funds in the local area via street and railway station collections.
Lenten Project
This year the congregation raised almost £6,000 for Borderline, a charity working with homeless Scots in London. In 2010 the Church hopes to raise funds for the Buguruni school for the Deaf in Tanzania, to refurbish the school dormitories. Further details will be published in the New Year.
Service Unit
This organization is run by members of the congregation to arrange quarterly events or outings for the elderly members of our congregation and community. Recent activities have included a Christmas party, Spring Concert and tea, and a summer outing. To get more information or volunteer to help please contact Maggie Wilson at fml@btinternet.com.
Sunday Lunch Teams
Continuing a long tradition of hospitality a two-course lunch is served in the Lower Hall beginning at 12pm following Sunday morning worship. The price for lunch is two pounds. The lunch teams are composed of members of the congregation work on a bimonthly rotation. The teams are always looking for new volunteers, to get involved in a lunch team please contact Denise Haugh at dhaugh200@btinternet.com.
West London Churches Homeless Concern (WLCHC): Night Shelter
As part of the West London Churches Homeless Concern we will be hosting a night shelter here at Pont Street each Sunday night starting on 15 November for 10 weeks. We will cook and serve meals as well as welcome and care for our guests. We seek volunteers to join the team from St Columba's to provide active support to the homeless of London. A typical commitment would be from 6.30 - 9.30 p.m. We will operate a rota system so there is no need to be present every week. For more information, or to join the team, please email Judith Roberts on judithroberts63@aol.com or call 07973 202956.
Chelsea Laundry
West London Churches Homeless Concern Laundry Project is staffed and supported by several members of St Columba's. Volunteers are needed at the Laundrette Tuesday and Thursday daytime. For more information about the Laundry please contact Judith Roberts on judithroberts63@aol.com.
Fair Trade Stall
Supporting Christian Aid's commitment to fairer trade and a fairer deal for the world's poorest food producers, volunteers staff a popular Fair Trade Stall in the entrance vestibule on the first Sunday of each month. It is ideal for stocking up on the basics like tea and coffee. For more information contact Pamela Thompson on pamsthompson@myway.com
