Document to help local projects and others as they start working again in communities around Co-Vid19.

See the Beyond Corona page for more ideas and help.

Various local projects are available to offer online or prerecorded talks during this lockdown - see this page for more details.

This is mental health awareness week with the theme #KindnessMatters - check out do1nicething.org.uk for some ideas to help you be kind to others (and in doing so be kind to yourself)

Source

TRIBUTES have been paid to woman with a “selfless spirit” who made a significant contribution to lives of many people in Ryedale.

Jacqui Griffiths died suddenly at her home in Norton last weekend, aged 74.

A major with the Salvation Army, Jacqui took over the role as manager of Ryedale Foodbank two years ago.
Since then the foodbank has expanded its services giving more than 2,300 emergency food supplies to people in crisis over the last year.

Reverend Malcolm Dyer, chairperson of Ryedale Foodbank Steering Group, said: “We are heartbroken at the news of Jacqui’s passing last weekend, this was devastating news for everyone involved in Ryedale Foodbank.

“Jacqui made a significant contribution to the lives of many people in the Ryedale area and she will be sorely missed.”

Rev Dyer added: “Jacqui’s selfless spirit and dedication to helping people in crisis has been a beacon of light and hope for everyone in our community – and it is a legacy that will live on through the work of the foodbank.

“Personally, I had worked with Jacqui some years ago when she was leading a Salvation Army work in central Manchester, and I was so pleased when Jacqui was appointed to manage Ryedale Foodbank.

“I had complete confidence in her skills and abilities and her compassionate heart for those in need.

“This became so apparent in the face of this pandemic as she selflessly made herself available so that individuals and families would not go hungry.

He added: “We will so miss her compassion and strong community spirit,”

John MacKenzie, a long-term volunteer with Ryedale Foodbank, said: “Jacqui’s untimely passing will be felt by many in our community who knew her.

“The tributes by so many different groups bears testament to that.”

He added: “Jacqui worked hard to help develop Ryedale Foodbank to its full potential and will be missed by all of us who knew and worked closely with her.”

Prior to moving to Norton, Jacqui was secretary of the Bolton Street Angels, which she had helped set up and volunteered with for more than nine years.

A fellow member said: “Jacqui left her legacy in Bolton as she played a huge part in management of Bolton Street Angels and out on the streets in the small hours giving non judgemental support.

“It is what she did. It's who she was.

“The world will be a poorer place without her.”

Simon Cardy, who met Jacqui through the Salvation Army, said: “I feel very sad to hear that Major Jacqui Griffiths has died.

He added: “However, sorrow is countered by deep, deep gratitude for knowing a minister and friend who not only married Karen and I, but was also the first minister I met who was fully inclusive of any and all that had been excluded.”

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow - now more than ever we are called to make a difference.

First of all CNI Network want to thank and honour all those who give of themselves - as a former Prime Minister said about CNI Network, "people standing up and taking an active role in building the type of community they want to live in". If you invest yourself to others / communities that includes you! #VolunteersAreAmazing

Secondly we want to thank and honour all those who support those making a difference in any way - those who support financially, those who pray, businesses who have a Corporate Social Responsibility arm and for family members of our local projects those who haven't minded Saturday and Sunday mornings lost to sleep after a 4am finish!

Thirdly we want to thank and honour those who are doing more or doing different in this difficult time. Several of our local projects have stepped up to do different and many are looking afresh at how they best support local communities once lockdown is over. Innovation around the unknown is a scary place to be sometimes but our communities are worth it!

Finally CNI Network want to encourage you on this #GivingTuesday to consider giving - if everyone gave a few £ (or $ or €) especially to smaller charities it could well be a lifeline. Please do consider CNI Network and our local projects - but giving to any smaller local charity could well ensure they have a future as normal income is lost. To donate to CNI Network visit cninetwork.org/donate and for local projects see individual websites. 

​THANK YOU!