VCC managed to have a number of runners participate in the London 10K race on July 10th in Central London.

Some were staff, some supporters and one came from Sainsbury's Forest Hill. The runners all raised some much needed funds for VCC and all completed the race in very respectable times.

It is not too late to sponsor the runners post event. You can do this either through contacting the office or through Just Text Giving by tetxing VCCF01 followed by £1, £2, £5 or £10 and sending the text message to 70070.

Please see pictures below of some of our runners. We are very grateful to all those that ran



We hope to be participating in the 10k race next year 2012 as well.

On June 25th our neighbours in Forest Hill were very generous that day by supporting VCC and donating or enquiring about the work of VCC.

The Volunteers present on the day said that they enjoyed the public interest and support. VCC have collection cups located at the customer services desk and at each till within the Forest Hill store.

On Sunday June 5th VCC held a Big Tea Party at St Saviours Church, Brockley Rise. The date was chosen as it was the official Big Lunch Day celebrated nationally normally with a series of street parties where all attendees bring along refreshments to share. Coincidentally this year Big Lunch Day fell within National Volunteers week.

VCC wished to thank the many volunteers who were able to attend and bring refreshments and also the many that were unable to attend. It was a nice afternoon where old friends were able to catch up and new acquaintances were made.

It would not have been possible for the event to be as successful as it was, had it not been for both the kind donation of jams received from Fraser Doherty of SuperJam, Sainsbury's Forest Hill who donated some of the refreshments and St Saviours allowed VCC to use the Church all at no cost as part of their objective of expanding the use of the church premises by as much of the community as possible.

The VCC AGM is on June 23rd 2011 at the Grove Centre in Jews Walk, Sydenham. The meeting starts at 7.30 until 10pm.

VCC had a very successful Big Tea Party held at St Saviours Church, Brockley Rise on June 5th 2011 as part of Volunteer's Week where they were able to thank their current volunteers and try and recruit new volunteers.

VCC are taking up to 20 clients to Kew Gardens on July 6th 2011. If you are interested in attending, please get in touch either via email at info@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk or by calling 020 8291 1747.

July 2nd 2011 saw VCC Volunteers and Staff man a booth at Blythe Hill Festival to raise awareness and funds for VCC. Thank you to one and all for your support at this event.

A new VCC fundraising section is to be launched on our website shortly. Please see what you can do to help us help you.

A new VDS Coordinator has been appointed – Stephen Oldfield. We welcome Stephen who joined VCC in May 2011.

VCC will be present in-store at Sainsbury's Forest Hill on Saturday 25th June. Please do come along to show your support.

Sarah (VCC Coordinator) recently sent us this Photograph and she tells us that she and Billy are both doing well. They are enjoying swimming lessons, fitness classes for new mums, social groups, baby massage and the little screamers club (with regular trips to the cinema for parents with babies under a year).


Sarah Thompson and smiley baby Billy
Sarah said "Billy is generally a happy baby who is always chattering, giggling, but sometimes screaming! It is hard work adapting to being parents, but Joss and I are totally enthralled with Billy as he seems to be with us too; it really is incredible being parents".

Sarah went on to say "I am missing the regular contact with service users, volunteers and staff and hope that everyone is doing really well. I look forward to catching up with everyone later in the year"

Whilst Sarah is on maternity leave, please direct your enquiries to the emails below:
evelyn@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk or info@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk

The VCC was one of the charities recently shortlisted by Sainsburys Forest Hill to be their Charity Partner of the year, and after delivering a presentation at the Store back in July, we were delighted to hear that we had been selected.

Evelyn Brady (VCC Centre Manager) says "I was absolutely thrilled when the confirmation came through; it is really fantastic that our good work in the local community should be recognised and valued in this way. I am really looking forward to working with the Sainsbury's team in both promoting and fundraising for our services".

Jo-Anna Chin (HR Manager Sainsbury's Forest Hill) says "Sainsbury's Forest Hill are pleased to announce that the Voluntary Care Centre has been chosen as our local charity partner of the year. Over the next 12 months, the charity will benefit from money donated through fundraising as well as time given by Sainsburys colleagues as volunteers. It was chosen by the colleagues, as the stores charity, after being short listed from nominations which poured in from customers. Colleagues at the store were particularly taken with the amount and diversity of the support the charity gave to local residents in the area and are pleased and proud to be supporting them. We hope to raise awareness of the valuable work carried out by such a worthy charity over the next 12 months. Look out in store for further details of upcoming events."

Blythe Hill Festival 2nd July, VCC will be present with a stall representing the various aspects of volunteering with VCC to the local community.

VCC once again took a selected number of clients and staff to Kew gardens this summer on July 6th 2011.

Stephen Oldfield the new Driving Scheme Coordinator ensured a wonderful day was had by all who visited.

VCC are looking for willing runners to take part in the British 10K run on July 10th 2011 in Central London. We need runners who are able to raise about £200 in sponsorship in aid of VCC. If you are interested, please get in touch on 020 8291 1747 or email info@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk.

We welcome the following volunteers	Farewell and thank you
Josephine Mumford Iona Vita Mercy Quaynor Dahlia Thompson David Wheeler Lucie Irambona Jonti Small Mary Manning Andy Logan James Bal Amal Issa Jackie Oliveira Simone Calame Mary Manning Sara Ames Aoife Gilbride Kelly Douglas Gloria Jean-Pierre Claudine Claus Scholastica Anw Stephanie Makalwala David Ogbonn Lucia Cabrini Sherryll Dhave-Ogbonna Francis Fields Paul Mabb	Delores Joseph Velma Miller Sandra Flaxman

Many of our regular supporters and a number of new donors generously supported our 2010 Christmas project appeal.

With the help of all our sponsors, and for the efforts of our reliable volunteers we were able to successfully fulfil all requests made to the project and provided over 2160 instances of help to over 1450 people.

209 hampers were delivered to elderly helping 268 people. 280 families received supermarket gift vouchers, helping 867 people and 82 families also received food packages.

Over 90 boxes of food went to Social Services and 12 to local homeless family units.

513 children and/or teenagers received toys, books and stocking fillers or gift vouchers.

Two local hostels supporting people with mental health difficulties received gifts of toiletries for a total of 114 residents.

35 pantomime tickets for the Broadway Theatre were given to refugee for families receiving their support, and ice creams for the interval were kindly donated by Criterion Ices (arrange by the VCC).

80 People attended the delicious Christmas Day Lunch at St. George's Church. 42 of the diners were transported to and from the event by 12 volunteer drivers. 10 VCC volunteers helped with Serving and other supporting tasks on the day. Each guest received a gift from the VCC.

Over 50 people attended the Grove Centre Social Club Christmas disco (for people with mental health difficulties) and enjoyed pizzas and a special celebratory cake; specially made for the occasion.


Children from St Dunstan's College delivering goods for the project
A sincere "thank you" goes to:
The Alchemy Foundation Rotary Fellowship Club,
Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe, Criterion Ices,
Turner Broadcasting Europe, Marsh Christian Trust, 3663 Catering Equipment
Goddards, Peter Minet Trust, Random House,
Odin Charitable Trust, Sainsbury's Forest Hill, Dulwich & Peckham Rotary
Haberdashers Company

Sarah Lynch
(VCC Volunteer who raised £760 in a sponsored run)

St Georges Church for the use of the rooms at the Chapel on the Hill to coordinate the project

Local Churches and schools
Individual sponsors for their generous contributions
All of our volunteers - we could not achieve this with out you!

We had great support during the Christmas Project from Sainsbury's in Forest Hill.

They provided us with helpers and the Sainsbury's van to transport the goods from the Voluntary Care Centre Office on Monday 22nd November to Chapel on the Hill. ue to the fantastic help and support from Sainsbury's staff and VCC Volunteers the van was loaded and unloaded in super quick time, and before we knew the project was set up and ready to go.


A bus man's holiday for the Sainsbury's staff!
They also provided £100 of vouchers for the project which was used to support families who needed extra help at Christmas time.

Sainsbury's staff came along to the project and helped with numerous jobs, including packing and sorting the hampers.


Jo Chin and Dave Hudson, HR & Store Managers Respectively
Sainsbury's also ran a campaign asking their customers to make a difference by donating food items or a toy for the VCC Christmas Project., their customers responded positively and the food and toys donated were a real boost to the project.

We give a big thank you to Sainsbury's for their help and support at Christmas time. We are looking forward to working in partnership with Sainsbury's on other fundraising activities during this year.

After an extremely busy and stressful year it was good to have in our Volunteers Calendar the 'Volunteer's New Year Party - Barn Dance'. What a treat it was again this year.



As a way of thanking you our volunteers for all your hard work and invaluable contribution over the year we were delighted to see so many come along and join in the fun, 47 in total.

This year the event took place on Friday 14th January. Sounds of Yeeee! Haaaa! I'm sure would be heard coming from St Georges Church when the Barn Dancing & Line Dancing really got going.

Our entertainment this year was provided by Liz Scholey (our 'caller' and instructor for the evening). With her sound system at the ready, with an entertaining manner, she managed to coax even the most reluctant of participants to try their steps around the dance floor.



Tricky moments for her were when the food was displayed. The appeal of the delicious 'Barn Dance themed food supplied by Teresa Yakub halted proceedings for a while.

It wasn't long before the doe-se-doing and "Yee! Haa!'s" from the Barn & Line dances were back into full swing. Many of us were disappointed when it was time for the music to stop and clear up. Evelyn says "One of the highlights of the evening for me was stopping to enjoy watching everyone enjoying themselves".

There was definitely a sense, particularly after the fun raffle and sincere words of thanks from Evelyn for everyone's hard work; that we, being VCC volunteers, are like 'a family', and left feeling appreciated. Oh! and having had a good 'work out'. YEEEE! HAAAA!

Yes, you have read the header correctly; we are starting our appeal in August! At this time of year, VCC staff are busy planning Christmas activities to help individuals and families with hampers, toys and food vouchers and supporting a local church to host a Christmas Day lunch and activities.

As in previous years we will need the help and support of the local community which will include:

• Christmas Project Volunteers Needed from the last week in November to the week before Christmas. Tasks will include helping to prepare and pack hampers and sort toys and stocking fillers.
• Christmas Day Lunch Needed to help set up for the day, preparing for the lunch, socializing with diners and clearing away.
• Christmas Day Driving Volunteers Volunteers with their own vehicles are needed to help transport the diners to and from the Christmas Day lunch. Times to be arranged , but normally between 11.30 -12am and returning at 3.30-4.30pm
• Toys or books Newborn to 12 years
• Food Items In particular luxury items such as Christmas puddings, chocolates, biscuits, tinned ham and salmon.
• Vouchers Supermarket vouchers for families experiencing difficulties and gift vouchers such as W H Smiths, Boots and Superdrug for teenagers

If you have any time to spare on any week day during the busy Christmas period or wish to make a donation please contact the duty organiser by telephone or email either: drivingscheme@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk or info@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk. Alternatively contact Evelyn Brady (Centre Manager) evelyn@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk

On Tuesday 25th May, a group of staff from Goldman Sachs International helped Claudia Mark to get more from her garden. Claudia is wheelchair bound due to Lupus and Stephen Johnson syndrome. Claudia was keen to do some gardening herself; raised planters that were added to the patio area mean that Claudia is now tending to an array of flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Staff also replaced an out of control creeper, with a beautiful new Jasmine, weeded and beautified borders and generally gave the garden an overhaul. Claudias front garden was also transformed.


Goldman Sachs staff ready for home after a tiring day working in the sun!


Claudia gives Goldman Sachs the thumbs up!

On Sunday 4th July 2010 6 fearless Volunteers abseiled down Kings College Hospitals tower block to raise money for our services.


Katy, Daniel, Jane, Helen & Valerie with their families & fans!
The team leader (Driving Scheme Coordinator Valerie Oldfield) said we all approached the challenge with a positive attitude because we knew we were raising money for a very worthy cause And what a fantastic job we all did too!

Our most fearless volunteer of all must be Helen Belton; Helen is 86 years young and game for anything! Her gallant effort raised a fantastic 800 and between the team so far they have raised over 2,000 and money is still coming in.

A huge thank you from the VCC to the brave abseilers and to all their generous sponsors too.

VCC volunteers manned a stall at St. Augustines summer fete on Saturday 26th June. Our attendance here secured interest from potential volunteers and added just over £30 to the fundraising pot.

On the 10th July the VCC attended Lewishams People Day in Mountsfield Park; this year saw the 26th year of this ever popular event.

With each year the information, activities, rides and performances increase and develop, giving Lewisham people an opportunity to find out more about their community and to enjoy a fun day out.

Our information stall was manned by VCC volunteers, who braved the sweltering heat to help publicise our work and recruit potential volunteers.


Catherine & Valerie promoting the VCC

On July 30th a group of thirty VCC service users and volunteers were treated to a fabulous day at Kew Gardens. The event was funded by Goldman Sachs and supported by eleven of their staff who volunteered for wheelchair pushing on the day.

It was bright and sunny, ideal for visiting such a beautiful venue and everyone made the most of the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful plants and flowers. At lunch time we all met to have lunch together at one of the parks restaurants. All in all it was a really special day out.


Everyone enjoys the fresh air

Valarie Oldfield has regrettably left the VCC, for personal reasons. We have welcomed and enjoyed her willingness to get involved and be part of the VCC team of staff and volunteers. We wish her well as she moves on.

The Driving Scheme continues under the coordination of Janet Barfield on coordinator@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk

As most of you will know by now, our VCC coordinator Sarah Thompson is expecting a baby at the end of September. Sarah intends to start her maternity leave on the week beginning 13th September and to return to her post in June 2011.

I know that you will all be wishing Sarah well and will be keen to hear the news of her very special delivery; therefore we will endeavour to inform you as timely as we possibly can.

Meanwhile, Janet Barfield and Julia Coggins will both be working part-time to cover the post ensuring that work continues and that the VCCs Christmas project is just as successful as in previous years.

Janet and Julia will be working with Sarah during August to handover tasks and responsibilities, but the actual times/days that each will be working during Sarahs leave are still a work in progress.

The VCC AGM was held at the Grove Centre Church Jews Walk SE26 on Thursday 8th July. The meeting was well attended and there was a warm and friendly atmosphere.

This year, the company's Hon. Secretary Hilary Hart resigned her post after 16 years of service; however, we will not be losing Hilary as she has agreed to join the Management Committee as a full member. The VCC Chairman Mr Garth Davidson acknowledged and thanked Hilary for her service and presented her with bouquet and a thank you card from all her VCC friends.

The Centre Staff gave a presentation on the corporate volunteering events that had taken place over the year, which included a garden makeover by Goldman Sachs volunteers and Christmas support volunteers from Deloitte.

This years speaker was Julia Coggins, a volunteer who has been supporting Evelyn Brady (VCC Centre Manager) on the New mental health development project "Stepping Stones in Lewisham". Julia's presentation was inspirational and was delivered with her usual enthusiasm.

The business section of the meeting was followed by a chance to socialise and enjoy the wonderful buffet prepared by Teresa Yakub.

VCC Quiz night
Friday 22nd October
7pm for a 7:30pm start
St. Georges Church
(Corner of Vancouver & Stanstead Road)

Following the success of our fundraising quiz night held earlier in the year, VCC are holding a second quiz night. Why not join us for a second fun filled evening. Teams of 6 people are ideal, however you can also join us as an individual & we will build your team. Bring your own wine. Buffet & soft drinks provided. Tickets are just 5 per person. To book your team or individual place contact Evelyn Brady, Centre manager on 020 8291 1747 or email evelyn@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk.

Wednesday 8th September, 2 - 4pm at St. George's Church
(corner of Woolstone & Vancouver Road)

The 'tea party', with scones, cream & jam and drinks was a lovely opportunity to meet up with so many volunteers. It was noted as one of the best turn-outs at a Volunteers Social event. We are sure this was because of the joint occasion to say goodbye to Sarah Thompson (for a time) before she goes on maternity leave. Garth Davidson (Management Committee Chairman) made a presentation from us all, of a card and Mothercare vouchers as a way of wishing her and her partner Josh best wishes. Everyone looks forward to news of the arrival of the youngest member of the VCC at the end of the month.

On Friday 26th March, ten teams competed to be VCC quiz champions. Participants paid 5 each to enter and contributed generously to our raffles.

The losing team won wonderfully decorated wooden spoons, whilst the winning team each took home a bottle of wine. Everyone had an enjoyable fun evening, if not brain taxing at times.

The evening raised a fantastic 360. Following the success of this event, VCC will be holding a second quiz night on Friday 3rd September. If you were unable to make the last event, make sure you dont miss out this time. To book your places (teams of six) you should contact evelyn@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk or call her at the office on 020 8291 1747.

We welcome the following volunteers	Farewell and thank you
Ambrose Anozie Rose Bell Ahmed Chowdhury Sandra Flaxman Luz Gilhooley Tina Glover Ruth Hamilton Deborah Kingshott Adrian Lindesay Sarah Lynch Sylvia Melia Velma Miller Kalamun Nehar Denis Rose Marilyn Sinclair Maria Soya-Bongay David Wheeler Felicity Wong	Chioma Njoku Martin Szues Swapna Thulasidarhan Tracey Wong