I must say that I was delighted with the First Minister’s performance on the BBC last night raising funds for the Children in Need  Appeal. Its thanks to a lot of high profile people and many ordinary folks all getting together that money can be raised that will make a difference in communities throughout the UK.

We have a lot for which I’d like to thank the BBC Children in Need Appeal. Last year they gave us an award of just under £90,000 to set up our Children and Family work. I’m delighted to say that this project which is now called “Bounce Higher” its beginning to take off. Yes it still has to bounce even higher, but we are seeing the benefits of the project in the lives of some of our children.

Our key worker Andrea Woollard is beginning to make some excellent contacts, grow volunteers and also set up a number of exciting groups. Recently Andrea has started to work with some of the teenagers in the Academy alongside our Youth Worker Lilias Snedden. She is engaging with a youth bereavement initiative, and also with a group to boost confidence and self esteem.

All this is beginning to pay off with the recent establishment of another new group in the church called the Morning Club. This gives young people an opportunity to pop in for breakfast and a chat before they go to school. We are also offering a pick up service for those kids that live just that bit beyond walking distance. Please remember this work in your prayers its always challenging to keep funding in place to ensure that the work continues