Connor Report to Trustees
DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES
Members have been fulfilling the Aims and Objects of Mothers’ Union through their many projects. Since the charity is now registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland the Trustees have had regard to the Public Benefit Requirement statutory guidance. The beneficiaries of all our projects are members of the general public.
Diocesan Events
In January we had a ‘Coffee and Catch Up’ morning when all unit members reviewed their job descriptions. In February there were two training days organised by members of the Prayer and Spirituality Unit. Our Annual Festival Service took place on 12[th] March in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast. The preacher was our newly appointed All Ireland Chaplain Ven Dr Stephen McBride. On 25[th] May we had a Diocesan Movie night in All Saints’ Antrim. On 10[th] June there was a planning meeting for Trustee Board and Executive Committee, held in the home of the Diocesan President. Some members from the diocese attended the Women’s Getaway in October and area services were held for Mid Belfast, East Connor, North Connor, Lisburn and Derriaghy and Mid Connor Areas. We marked the Global Day for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, with a Prayer Breakfast in November and we also launched the Rise Up Campaign. During the year one branch celebrated its 90[th] anniversary.
The Diocesan Prayer Chain supported members and non-members who required prayer.
Members celebrating 90[th] , 95[th] and 100[th] birthdays and 60[th] and 70[th] wedding anniversaries received cards from the Diocesan, Provincial and Worldwide Presidents. The Diocesan President also acknowledged 80[th] and 90[th] plus birthdays and 40[th] wedding anniversaries.
Projects
Members continue to provide “Christian care for the Family” and fulfil the Mothers’ Union Object “helping those whose lives have met with adversity” through the many and varied projects.
These include:
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Supplying emergency washbags to patients in A&E wards in local hospitals. These contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face cloth and a comb.
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Providing comfort packs for relatives of patients in palliative care.
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Knitting cardigans, hats etc. for babies in neo-natal wards. Also blankets for cribs.
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Sewing ‘snugglies’ for cribs.
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Knitting comfort teddies for young children in A&E wards.
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Suppling colouring books and pens for children in A&E wards.
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Knitting fiddle muffs and blankets for dementia sufferers in nursing homes.
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Volunteering in Contact Centres.
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Reading with children in Primary Schools.
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Organising Mums and Toddlers groups.
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Organising Knit and Natter groups.
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Supporting Baby Basics.
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Supporting Women’s Aid.
Outreach
Three applications for AFIA holidays were received during the year.
Members continue to donate generously to the Worldwide Fund which supports the Literacy and Financial Development Programme, the Family Life Programme and the Parenting Programme.
Members also support the Centenary Fund which gives grants to married ordinands who have families and are studying at The Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin.
Sarah E. Cotter
Connor Diocesan President
March 2024
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Sarah E. Cotter ____
Diocesan President
Irene Gates ________
Diocesan Secretary
Date ________