Winter Newsletter 2017

DECEMBER / NOVEMBER 2017

Welcome to our Winter Warmer update... bursting with inspiring stories from people in our neighbourhood, our upcoming events, awards, annual reports and lots of things to get you feeling warm and fuzzy for Christmas! 

---

CRE8'S ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Hot off the press! Our 2017 Annual Report has just been published... you can view the full report here >>

We're very proud of this years report - some great stories from our youth projects, lots of cracking photos, and quotes from supporters, young people, families and customers. The Report is 'homemade'; that is we design, produce, write, proof-read and take all the photos ourselves using the skills we have. A great achievement.
Enjoy!

---

RISING STAR AWARD

Cre8 was recognised with a special ‘Rising Star’ award at the spectacular North West Charity Awards In October. Cre8 was given the award for punching above its weight in the ‘Small Charity Big Impact’ category. 

Other finalists in the category included charities representing the best from across the North West, so this is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Cre8, which is now in its 12th year of supporting young people and families from the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield.

The inaugural North West Charity Awards ceremony took place at Manchester’s impressive Midland Hotel. This was a red carpet event where the Cre8 table included volunteers, trustees, workers and young adults, who gathered to celebrate the great work of the thousands of charities and non-profit organisations across the North West of England.

Collecting the Award on the night, Cre8’s Director Rob Wardle said “I am hugely proud of all the people who've been involved in Cre8 since we started 12 years ago - our small faith-based community project on the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield. This award is absolutely unexpected for us at an event full of amazing big-hitting charities.”

Cre8 also gained the top award for Creamline Dairies in the Outstanding Business Supporters category. Creamline’s partnership with Cre8 helps to support young people and young adults into employment and give them direct work experience in the commercial world, whilst also providing income for the Cre8 charity.
​
Cre8’s aim of Faith: Change: Community is targeted at empowering young people and adults in the local area to make change happen for themselves and for their local neighbourhood of the Moss Rose Estate in Macclesfield.

---

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Laurence Singers Concert
A brilliant night with the Laurence Singers at their fundraising concert for Cre8. As an added bonus young people from Cre8 had the opportunity for young people to sing alongside the choir.
The finale was a joint performance.... Rolling in the Deep by Adele. The arrangement for the Choir was done by our own music tutor Ollie Gibson. Sang by the incredible Casey with Alisha on percussion, Emma Bass, Alfie drums and Amy guitar, and the choir in support.
Videos of the performances can be found here >> it'll give you goosebumps!

Go Team Cre8!
​Team Cre8 Faith Change Community SMASHED IT at the Macc 5K & half Marathon organised by Macc Harriers. We entered a community team of 17 people! Great for our first year. 
We came 4th in the 5K community challenge thanks to our 5 fastest finishers. Special mention to Rob Wood who came in 13th place overall in the 5K and Emma Gibson who ran 28 minutes whilst 28 weeks pregnant! We were 3rd in the Half Marathon community team challenge thanks to Gordon, Ollie and Martin.

Bring on next year!

Harvest 2017
Thanks to local schools, churches and individuals for their donations of Harvest gifts. They went into hampers given out to people round the Moss Estate, the fresh produce made some yummy meals at Clubs like pies, soups and stews and the fresh fruit was juiced in our fruit press!

If you would like to collect / donate food we are always looking for donations, especially of store cupboard items (tins, cereals, pasta etc) and toiletries. Please get in touch and we can arrange collection / drop-off.

Creamline wins Top Award
​Cre8 gained the top award for Creamline Dairies in the Outstanding Business Supporters category at the North West Charity Awards!!! 
Creamline's General Sales Manager Steve Neary and his wife Beryl went to collect the Award, along with Aaron who has worked for Cre8 on our social enterprise Cre8 Facilities, washing Creamline's fleet of milk floats. A great honour for us to be able to thank Creamline in this way. Their partnership with us means that we can support young people / adults into employment and give them direct work experience in the commercial world, whilst also providing some income for the Cre8 charity. Fantastic.

---

---

CONGRATULATIONS ADAM!

​We recently said farewell to Adam. He's got a new job working as a recovery driver - something he's always wanted to do. Adam started with us about 3 years ago working as a young person on Cre8 Facilities (our social enterprise) washing vehicles. He's been a team leader for the last couple of years and done a fantastic job leading our work with Creamline. And he's recently become a father! Congratulations Adam - you'll be missed but we're very pleased for you 😁😁😁 This is what it's all about.

---

GIVEAWAY DONATIONS

​Calling all our wonderful supporters
We are planning a ‘Food Giveaway’ at the Community Christmas Feast at St Barnabas Church on the 22nd of December. Following the incredible response at previous giveaways we realise how important it is for so many, so close to Christmas.
If you are able to donate items (see below) please get in touch with Cre8 on 01625 503740

• NON-PERISHABLE FOOD - we will take donations of non perishable items any time between now and Friday 22nd. These can be dropped at the Cre8 House (11 Belgrave Road) or get in touch as we might be able to collect.
• FRESH FOOD - we will take in donations of perishable food (like bread, milk, juice, fruit, veg etc) on Monday 17th until the morning of Friday the 22nd. These can be dropped off at Cre8 or get in touch and we may be able to collect.
• TOYS, TOILETRIES, NAPPIES, WASHING POWDER - we are VERY keen for donations (unopened / unused). Families and young people are often in need of these. 
• A LITTLE TIME - if you'd like to help out on the day - serving hot food or helping with the giveaway we would love to have you. It's a great atmosphere and a wonderful start to Christmas.

If you are able to ask your local shop or business to donate something then please do!
We really do appreciate your support for the young people of the Moss Rose Estate and their families.

---

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...

Youth Music Concert
Saturday 16th December 2017
6-8pm United Reformed Church, Park Green, Macclesfield
Back with a vengeance! Our Youth Music Concert is always a special event. The real passion and talent these young people have shines through. The Cre8 Music project truly belongs to young people. Come along and discover the wonderful community spirit that flows through this project.
A mix of modern songs, solos, duets, and bands, these young people will show you their journey from beginners to multi-talented musicians.

Crib Festival
14th - 16th October 2017
St Barnabas Church, Lyme Avenue Macclesfield

St Barnabas Church is holding a Crib Festival to celebrate and share the Christmas story. Groups and people who have connections with the Church will be putting together their own Crib's and Cre8's Clubs are busy making theirs.

Anyone is welcome to stop by the Church and have a look at the Cribs - Church will be open during the day so pop in!

Opening times:

• Thursday 14th - 1-5pm
• Friday 15th - 1-5pm
• Saturday 16th - 10am - 4.30pm

Community Christmas Feast
Friday 22nd December 2017
12-3pm at St Barnabas Church, Lyme Avenue
​
A Christmas Feast of hot food to eat together and a food giveaway. Open to everyone from the neighbourhood of the Moss Rose Estate. Come and share good food with friends, family and neighbours.
We're taking in donations for the giveaway... if you're able to contribute see above for details.

We are especially grateful to all the kind people who publicise our upcoming events through their churches, groups, workplace, social media and family & friends. If you're able to - please do include the events listed above in any notices / displays / leaflets - and help us spread the word!

We can provide posters and flyers on request katy.wardle@cre8macclesfield.org

---

Volunteers are at the heart of Cre8. They make things happen, and they share their passion and time. It is hugely valuable to a young person to have an adult who will sit and chat with them about their day. We welcome volunteers of any age, background or experience.
Right now, Cre8 specifically need new volunteers to help with ART and CRAFT activities, COOKING and GAMES/SPORTS at our youth clubs which run on Tuesdays 6-8.30pm and Wednesdays 5-7.30pm (which includes setup/close down time). Our youth clubs run in term time.
If you can regularly give a few hours of your time, please phone us on 01625 503740 or email hello@cre8macclesfield.org
Volunteering isn't just about giving, it's so much more, have a look here: http://www.cre8macclesfield.org/volunteering.html