PAGE 24 • FESTIVE NEWS • DECEMBER 2017
Hereford Lions in C
LIONS BUS MAKE
“It makes a big difference to our liv
she and fellow residents at Gre
Hereford Lions Club’s mini-bus f
community transport service has b
life-line for the elderly or the disa
social outings.
John (left) and Dan admire the new carpet.
Hereford Lions Club’s support in the community comes in many guises. A
recent one was probably a first for the club – a grant of £1250 to Close
House, a youth club for disadvantaged teenagers to buy a new carpet. The
popular club is based behind St Peter’s Church in what was once the rectory
and has some 200 members, many of them get involved in volunteer work
helping local charities and litter picking in the city.
Dan Lea, the manager said: “The old carpet was not only unsightly but
the section on the stairs was quite badly worn and dangerous and the offer
by Lions Club to pay for a new carpet was a much welcomed gesture.”
Said Lions Club treasurer, John von Anrep: “Supporting young people is
one of the primary aims of our club, and helping Close House improve its
facilities, which provide a wonderful environment for its members, was a
very worthwhile project.”
Mission statement of Lions Clubs International:
We Serve
“To empower volunteers to serve their
communities, meet humantarian needs,
encourage peace and promote international
understanding through
Lions Clubs.”
Ian Foster with residents from Great Western Court ready for an outing.
LIONS GRANT HELPS TACKLE CHILDRENS’
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
The 2016 edition of Lions Festive News exclusively revealed that the number of children in
Herefordshire with mental health issues were at a shockingly high level and urgent action was
called for. Up to 500 youngsters and teenagers were said to need professional support.
Hereford Lions Club was quick to respond with a £5,000 grant to MIND, the city based mental
health charity which had already spotted the impending crisis and had plans for a support service
in schools when funding became available.
Now, a year later pilot schemes are running in several county schools alongside another local
charity, ‘Strong Young Minds,’ providing one to one sessions with those youngsters showing signs
of mental stress. Advice and guidance is also available to parents and teachers to better understand
and manage a child’s emotional wellbeing.
Said David Harding, support and development manager at MIND, said: “This is an absolute
key area for us. From being a huge area of concern we have developed and revised our strategies
and are now confident we can make a positive impact on the lives of young people whose future
wellbeing is at risk. We know the model works and once we have the funding in place we can roll
the service out to more schools.”
MIND in Herefordshire will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018 and is one of the first
in the UK to introduce a practical solution to a report by the Children’s Commissioner early last
year warning that one in ten of those under the age of 18 will suffer from some form of mental
health issues. A survey by the charity shows that in an average class of thirty 15 year olds, seven
are likely to have been bullied, six may be self- harming and three could have a mental health
problem.
David Harding said: “No-one should face a mental health problem alone. This is why we have
developed this exciting project for schools.”
David Hartland, former Lions president who chose to support MIND during his term of office
said: “The figures in last year’s report were disturbing and Lions Club wanted to help MIND
tackle the problem. Hearing of the success of the pilot scheme is wonderful news and we must now
hope that funds will be made available to include the project in all schools and colleges across the
county.”
FANCY A NIGHT AT THE RACES? ...
Then Hereford Lions Club’s annual
race night in the Shire Hall on Saturday
March 17 is the place to be There is no
guarantee your horse will win, but you
are sure of a great night out trying to
pick the winners, enjoying a good
supper, a well stocked bar and even a
disco to finish the night off.
Race Night has been running for
well over 30 years and is more
popular than ever. For racegoers it
is a grand social occasion; for
Lions Club it is one of its best fund
raisers - £4,250 last year to help
support local charities.
Ring Mick Harmon to book
tickets: 01432 357995.
This year marks the 10th anniversary
of the club’s latest mini-bus, a 15 seater
luxury Mercedes , with a tail lift for
wheelchairs which cost £48,000 when it
was bought new and still has a few years
left in it. Transport officer, Ian Foster
said: “The volunteer run service is greatly
appreciated by all those who use it and
for many of the elde