Jenny Robinson: South Belfast Friendship House
Jenny Robinson working in South Belfast Friendship House since June 2007
South Belfast Friendship House opened in October 1976 It was a small 2 up 2 down house in Primitive Street.The current site was purchased in the late 1980's and the present building was opened in Blythe street in 1991
The main purpose of the House was to offer friendship in the name of Jesus and show His love in practical Tways.This remains unchanged, through our after school clubs,Friendship group for senior citizens,Parent and Toddler Group and our growing links with the Homeless Hostel we endeavour to fulfil the vision which God gave His servants many years ago.Along side our organised groups the House is open 4 mornings a week and people are welcome to call in for a chat and a cuppa!
On my appointment In June 2007 I was warmly welcomed and enormously helped by Mrs Eunice Moore and Mrs Menita Cheesman part-time workers at the house.We are also supported by Great Victoria Street and appreciate the help of Julie Gibson their detached youth worker.
Friendship House has been largely and very generously supported and funded by P.W.A
It is now in partnership with the Board of Social Witness.It is exciting to see the plans develop for the extension of Friendship house not only to the building but also to the development of further activities and we look forward to the work and witness of the House continuing for many years to come.
Prayer topics
We are very excited about our future development plans, and towards the end of the year we were delighted to receive planning permission for our much needed extension. The new development will improve our facilities, enable us to run our activities more efficiently, and help us to draw in and serve more people. It will put us even more firmly on the map and enable us to continue to be an effective witness in the community.
Grateful thanks are due to Eunice Moore and Menita Cheesman, our two part-time workers; to Julie Gibson, the detached youth worker in Great Victoria Street who comes to us for three sessions a week (and more if needed); to Caroline Skelton and her band of students from Derryvolgie Halls of Residence; to Peggy and Agnes who help with After School and Parent & Toddler groups; and to Megan Buff, an American girl who is in Northern Ireland under a volunteer programme and who comes to us on a Tuesday afternoon.
The Afterschool groups, Senior Citizens Friendship Group, Parent & Toddler Group and Men’s Brunch continue to be well attended. We continue to enjoy the variety and challenge which our open door policy provides.
I was privileged to spend a week in Glasgow visiting social outreach projects run by the Church of Scotland. This was extremely beneficial and gave me many valuable insights which will be very helpful as we plan for the new build, and also as we continue in our present work, especially with the homeless.
A huge thank you to everyone who responded so generously to our Christmas Appeal. We were almost overwhelmed at times with all that had to be done, but as a result of the earlier response and practical help we were able to help more individuals and needy families.
Deputation gave me opportunity to meet many PW members and congregations. I have enjoyed that very much and have been so blessed by the genuine care and interest shown. Thank you for your continued help, support and prayers throughout the year.
Whilst we don’t look forward to the upheaval of moving out of our building for a few months later in the year we are thankful to PW and Board of Social Witness and an excellent design team who are working together to ensure that the life and witness of South Belfast Friendship House continues for many years to come.
To give thanks for the ongoing work and witness of Friendship House
Pray for wisdom and guidance as we continue to discern how best to serve the community around us by maintaining the existing activities and developing new areas of work.
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