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	Linking Up                                                                    August 2009 Dear Friend, Our work and plans this current quarter epitomise the spirit of partnership which is at the heart of Community Links work. At a time when our services are needed more than ever, and the budget is as stretched as it has ever been, the contributions of every one of our supporters is crucial. Our sincere thanks as ever for the part you play. Enjoy, be informed and inspired! Children's and Young People's Work FA Cup Winners Young people from our Britannia Village Youth Club and S-Team took part in the FA Cup Final at Wembley. Bringing out the team banners onto the pitch for the opening ceremony, our young people showed maturity and professionalism. The day helped raise aspirations, broaden horizons and develop reponsibility and self confidence.  Grow Our Own Awards Our new Grow Our Own Awards have been introduced to recognise and reward the achievements of young people at Community Links projects. Held on 8th April, Leadership Group Member Jeremy Edwards introduced the programme with congratulations to all winners for "setting new standards and inspiring us all" and with thanks to the Trust sponsors for the awards and their ongoing support. Adult, Family and Community Work Model of Excellence Community Links and local solicitors firm Edwards Duthie have formed a partnership to provide specialist advice and representation in family law, housing law, community care advice, employment law, debt and welfare benefits.  Edwards Duthie is one of the few firms in the country that has in excess of 10 Specialist Quality Mark awards. We are delighted to welcome their partnership and look forward to working closely with them to continue providing much needed advice. Our Senior Citizens Company volunteers sponsored two special projects involving the Community Links Pensioner's Club this summer.  In May, they hosted our 4th Annual Tea Dance and Karaoke Party, where 70 local elderly people enjoyed music, singing, dancing and lovely refreshments. In July, they took 30 pensioners out on a trip to the Tower of London.  A huge thanks to all of our company volunteers for taking the time to bring smiles and make a difference in the lives of local people in Newham through the variety of projects you have undertaken. LinksUK - National Work for Wider Change Council on Social Action LinksUK is responsible for managing and developing the work of the Council on Social Action. The Prime Minister chairs the Council with our co-founder David Robinson as vice chair leading the work on a day to day basis.  Last year the Council advised ministers on a range of issues associated with social action and launched Chain Reaction (our international event on social leadership). They also began work on new funding mechanisms including the Social Impact Bond and conducted a major programme on the support and development of one to one programmes.  Recently, they launched a National Talent Bank to leverage the time and expertise of "underutilised" employees to benefit the community in a recession.  Contact David if you would like to know more!  Raising Support for Community Links Racing, Abseiling, Bowling, Cycling and Volunteering for Change A big thanks to all of our great fundraisers who’ve done so much for us over the last couple of months, including…the racing teams at the Chevron Community Links Karting Challenge, whose drive against poverty raised an amazing £20,000…the bowling teams from The Bank of New York Mellon who’ve knocked us over with their pledge of £21,000 …our 7 intrepid London to Paris cyclists whose pedal power raised £10,000…the 30 brave abseilers who raised £4,000 by stepping off the top of VINCI Park’s car park in West India Quay... and the team of 20 from NB Real Estate, who just completed the Walk Across Wales in support of Community Links.  Huge thanks also to the 1,037 volunteers who gave 35,228 hours of their time last year, providing much needed help to our community projects and contributing over £87,000 in funds.   Upcoming Parachute Jump Adventurers wanted to join us for the Community Links Jump Day as we parachute against poverty on Saturday 14th November at Cambridge Airfield! What are you waiting for?  Simply click here to book your place on the experience of a lifetime!      Recognising Every One - Roll of Honour As you enter our main Reception in Canning Town, you will see our new Roll of Honour, which recognises the unique role our supporters play in making our work possible including individuals, companies, councils and government, trusts and event participants. The Roll also pays tribute to the lives of those, who sadly are no longer with us.  The Roll celebrates our shared vision and recognises the role of Our People, including volunteers and staff many of whom are former users of our services and on our Empower Progression: User → Trainee → Practitioner → Manager → Mentor.  Look out for it when you visit!   As always, without your support nothing you have read about in this edition of Linking Up would be possible. We look forward to updating you on our work in editions ahead. In the meantime do contact us on info@community-links.org for anything you would like to follow up, and our warm thanks once more for the special role you play. ~ The Community Links Team     Inspired to make a difference?  Donate online to Community Links! Forward this email |  Sign up to receive our newsletter Want to change your details?  |  Unsubscribe Community Links, 105 Barking Road, Canning Town London E16 4HQ Charity number 1018517 l t: 020 7473 2270 | e: info@community-links.org http://www.community-links.org