At Thirtyone:eight we believe value is brought by combining different perspectives, knowledge and expertise. We aim to strengthen the support we provide through working with others where possible. This is demonstrated in our new five year strategy with its focus on having a collaborative approach. For us, ‘partnership’ means more than simply having another charity or company logo on a website. Partnership is about relationship and an outward benefit.
Working in partnership ensures our members and those that come to us for support get the best possible service with a wide array of resources. Thirtyone:eight has worked in partnership with a number of other charities and organisations over the years and continues to do so. Here we highlight three current partners we are working with:
Youthscape
Youthscape’s mission is to bring positive transformation in the lives of young people – especially those facing critical challenges and issues in their lives. Youthscape began over 25 years ago in Luton. They worked alongside secondary schools, aiming to show that Christians can and should be promoting positive change in their communities and in the lives of young people. Over the years, the resources, research on youth culture and training courses developed in Luton by Youthscape have begun to be used by youth workers across the country.
As part of our ongoing partnership, Thirtyone:eight and Youthscape have worked together to produce a number of resources for churches and youth workers, including our joint guidance on communicating and working safely with young people online.
Another resource we have created together is an interactive ‘game’ for youth workers called ‘Safe?’. This game is for anyone working with young people, whether that is professionally or in a voluntary role. The game is designed to help people recognise signs of various types of abuse or safeguarding risk by creating hypothetical situations and asking them to consider their response. As the fictional case study grows, they have to decide whether or not this young person is a safeguarding concern and how they would respond.
Restored
Another charity we work in partnership with is Restored. Domestic abuse happens in churches too, and Restored equip the Church to end domestic abuse and create a safe place for survivors of abuse.
Restored was launched June 2010 as an international Christian alliance dedicated to transforming relationships and ending violence against women. Since then they have provided thousands of churches with packs on ending domestic abuse, have trained over 5,000 church leaders and safeguarding officers and have published the first ever research on domestic abuse in British churches. Among other things they have also established both an online survivors’ network and a network for men to help end violence against women.
We have worked with Restored to produce a training course (currently available as a webinar) which looks at the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse and explores how the church is not immune from these issues. The course looks at how to respond well and actions to take to address this form of abuse. The course is for anyone who is passionate about preventing domestic abuse and helping people access the right support.
Kintsugi Hope
Kintsugi Hope share our joint commitment to promoting safer places for vulnerable people.
Kintsugi Hope was founded by Diane and Patrick Regan after a series of events took them to the brink; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. They faced illness and loss in their family and community.
They wrote a book and produced a DVD about their experiences. Through opening up about their struggles they realised how many people have felt alone in theirs and the great need for each of us to be vulnerable, open and honest when life is hard.
Over the last year the Kintsugi Hope team have spoken about wellbeing through conferences, tours, seminars, breakfast meetings, and preaching. Internationally, they are committed to working and supporting people whose mental and emotional health has been affected by conflict, trauma and poverty, particularly within the refugee community.
The vision of Kintsugi Hope is: ‘A world where mental and emotional health is understood and accepted, with safe and supportive communities for everyone to grow and flourish.’ The vision of Thirtyone:eight is: ‘A world where every child and adult can feel, and be, safe.’
The parallels of the visions of the two charities have the potential to further our joint aims for the good of everyone who is supported by each charity. This comes at a time when safeguarding and mental wellbeing are among the most important concerns facing the Church today.
Partnerships are a key part of growth for charities and organisations. We hope to build more partnerships in the future.
