Pilion Trust

WOODFALL PARK COMMUNITY FAYRE

2011-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY 7th MAY 2001

11am to 6pm

Community Fayre

Woodfall Park

Woodfall Road

London N4

We have music, live bands, street dancing, football, bouncy castle, story tellers, arts and crafts, food, activities and much much more.....

Every welcome! Come and support the local community and neighbourhood at this event.

INTERNATIONAL WOMAN'S DAY

2011-03-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

Today is the 100 years celebration of women from around the and all the amazing things women have contributed over the past two Millenia to society and the world in general.

We are also celebrating the role models of today's women and the future philanthropists, entrepreneurs, inventors, scollars and women who will mould our future generations.

Seeking Homes for Young People

2011-02-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

After the success of this winter's Shelter Me! Project, where 3,745 bed nights were taken up by young people, women and men in crisis, we want to take this concept further.

Why should people feel they are only worth a camp bed in a church hall as a home?

With Governmental and Borough Councils cuts and large Charities changign their focus and withdrawing services, we are going to see an increased need in alternatives to sleeping rough.

We need your help!!!

If you have or know of someone who has a large house (6 bedrooms approx), and they might like to work with us, we are wanting to set up a Youth Provision that offers opportunities and hope to young people 16 to 21 year olds.

The idea is a crash pad that people can stay for as long as they need.

For more information or to discuss the idea call Savvas on 07805 677-717 or e-mail him on savvas@piliontrust.org.uk

World Homeless Day 2010

2011-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

New Report on homeless and rough sleeping has been complied by Pilion, during the 2010 campaign in Islington on World Homeless Day 2010.

PDF is allowed on a download.

We hope the comments and concerns of local residents, community members and the service users themselves may influence poisitively to rethink its policies on welfare state and the vulnerable.

The November freeze in London

2010-12-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

As London is caught unawares of the coming "big freeze" Pilion's Shelter Me! project in partnership with the Cally Methodist Church open a new cold weather shelter. Local business and community volunteers spent weekends in early November revamping the church's crypt in time for a Christmas Shelter.

With the onset of the snow and sub-zero temperatures, decissions were made to open the shelter earlier and help save the homeless from freezing in the snow.

One homeless client stated that: the ambulance found him soaking wet in the Highbury Fields on Friday as he was suffering from Hypothermia. While in the ambulance he had to be revived 3 times. Tonight he thanked the staff, volunteers and Islington's Housing Aid Centre for saving his life.

The shelter will remain open while the cold weather remains and makes it hard for the homeless to remain on the streets.

If you are interested in helping out please call 020 7700-2601 or e-mail: adm_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk and ask for Sheriff or Jackie.

World Homelessness Day 2010

2010-10-06T10:54:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is a Global movement for World Homelessness. Over 10 countries around the world are participating. Small Groups, Chairities, Communities, artists etc are staging events around the World to bring people together to think, debate and discuss the issue of homelessness that has been worrying people for 100s of years and no lasting solutions have ever been found.

It doesn't matter what type of Government and political or religious sways have been able to find a solution.

Maybe it is up to each of us individually and collectively to find a way to bring people out of homelessness.

Friday the 8th October 2010 from 1pm to 4:30pm The Pilion Trust is hosting the pre-launch event at Islington Town Hall.

You are invited to come along and support the movement.

There will also be over 15 charities present to help you and advise you on things that concern you.

We look forward to seeing you there. For more details go to Wold Homelessness Day website.

2010-09-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Pilion Trust will be supporting WORLD HOMELESS DAY 10th October 2010.

On Friday 8th October 2010 all day some of the Pilion Crew; the Islington Enhanced Community Outreach Service (ECO) guys (the guys who walk the streets day and night) will be raising awareness and funds at 7 Islington stations.

Also on Friday 8th October 2010 the rest of the Pilion Crew will be hosting a homelessness awareness raising session in Islington Town Hall room 5 for the public to attend and other homelessness organisations to put up stalls from 12:30 to 4:30pm.

The Borough of Hackney

2010-08-20T11:09:00.001-07:00

Have you ever really wondered why Hackney is such an awful Borough and no matter what money and incentives are put in the place it keeps reverting back to a place people just want to run from?

Over the past two months my teams have been trying to support and advocate for a number of vulnerable people. I mean a young man with mental health and learning difficulties who is fleeing two youth gangs that want to kill him; A young 20 year old woman, fleeing domestic violence and pregnant; An old age pensioner who is illiterate and is being evicted by the Council for rent arrears, when her pension and benefits pay directly to the Council's Housing benefit department.

My staff have had to take on the Housing Department, Mental Health Team, East London NHS, The Homerton and Learning Disabilities.

All staff in all departments have similarities in so much as they are rude, abrupt, refuse to give information and are lazy unthinking, uncaring brainless fodder.

The staff and their Managers turn a blind eye to Government Policy and Guidelines on Abuse, Vulnerable Children, Every Child Matters, Safeguarding and more...... When I contacted the Council officials, local Politicians and Government heads all turn a blind eye and don't want to look at the problems being caused by the Public Servants they employ.

It has taken 22 Community charities (who have very little money) to come together to support and assist 3 people to achieve their goals. This is a fraction of the money the Government wastes on Public Services.

No wonder the population of Hackney Borough bite back all the time.

So, next time you may think, mmmmm Hackney is a cosmopolitan cultural centre of the Universe and you might like to immigrate there, THINK AGAIN as all you will find are brain dead "Job Lotters" sucking the life blood out of those who cannot get out.

Please help the population of Hackney survive!

Government's White Paper on Stopping benefits for people who have addictions.

2010-08-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Today the Coalition Government announced its White Paper suggesting it would be a good idea and motivation for people with addictions to have their benefits stopped if they refuse to access treatment.

For the basic benefit that people are on it helps them to be able to eat and take care of themselves. If the Government stops this basic support, people will have to find other ways of surviving, which would increase the levels of inquisitive crime, home burglaries, vandalism and place vulnerable general public at risk.

It will further criminalize the most vulnerable and needy and will push people further underground and less likely to come forward for help if the threat is to loose the basic benefit.

86% of our clients, and we work with the most marginalised rough sleepers, once completing treatment come back to their communities and volunteer, give back and help others. Some of the 86% will also go on to have careers in addiction, homelessness and mental health.

In my view over the journey of a person with addiction issues the cost evens out and balances the community commitment with the clients commitments.

This Government and its policies of cutbacks where there is no extra money to help the most needy is creating Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.

Part-time Team Leader for Islington Outreach Team -ECO Service

2010-08-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

A great opportunity for someone who wants to return to work or is planning to semi-retire.

The Pilion Trust are looking for an experienced and talented Team Leader to come on board and help take the the Service to the next level.

You will need to have a background in drug and alcohol treatment and an understanding in mental health, outreach and housing.

If you are interested please call 020 7700-2498 and ask to speak to Savvas Panas for further information and an application pack.

Closing date 30.08.2010

Building on our Success 08-09 Annual Report

2010-08-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Management Committee is proud of the work achieved by the charity and the organisation hopes that you will enjoy reading about our work and achievements.

Building on Our Success 08-09 is the theme of our Annual Report.

Please contact us if you wish to read about the achievements of our charity.

admin_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk

Volunteering Needed for new Prison Service

2010-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Our New Fyrst Step Programme has been awarded funding by Islington Council. Working in partnership with the London Prisons, Fyrst Step will run a meet and greet Service for vulnerable prisoners being released back to the community and will need to attend treatment appointments.

We are looking for a team of volunteers who may have anything from 1/2 a day or a full day free to help us support these vulnerable people.

If you are interested please e-mail admin_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk or call 020 7700-2498 for further information and an application form.

Join us and help your communities. It's really rewarding.

Welcome to our Newest Trustee Howard

2010-07-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a very big welcome to Mr Howard Garrick the newest member of the Pilion Trust Board of Trustees.

He has worked eceptionally hard to turn his life around and he is a welcome addition to our small but very tough board.

Respect Howard.

ADELE OF PROJECT SILVERFISH WINS HOME OFFICE AWARD

2009-12-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

SUPPORTING LONDON’S TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
ISLINGTON-BASED DRUGS WORKER WINS HOME OFFICE CHANGING LIVES AWARD 2009

Adele Adams from Islington has been nominated for a Home Office National Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives Award for her role in ‘Project Silverfish’, a scheme she founded in 2008 to support one of the most marginalised minority communities in London - the intersex, transgender and genderqueer community.

‘Project Silverfish’ is the only one of its kind in the UK and was set up in memory of Adele’s close friend, world renowned DJ Alex Silverfish, a trans woman who at the peak of her professional career in the music industry committed suicide in summer 2008 after suffering years of harassment.

Having been supported through drug rehabilitation and a difficult journey through gender transition herself, Adele wanted to help others in similar situations.

Now, with the help of her colleagues, Adele delivers street outreach to inner London, offering trans and intersex people practical guidance on drug and alcohol misuse. She also offers harm minimisation support for people who feel that they need to use ‘black market’ prescription medication to help them through a physical sex change without GP supervision.

Adele was nominated for the Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives Award by Savvas Panas, CEO of the Pilion Trust – an information and support charity based in Islington.

He said:

“There are not enough words to describe how well Adele has done, not only in completely turning around her own life, but helping the lives of others. In terms of commitment and perseverance, Adele always goes the extra mile. Adele works with people who have very complex needs, but nothing fazes her. She works day and night to help everyone she meets gain control of their life and take their rightful place in the wider community.”

Since the project began, Adele has also helped over XX people find suitable housing and gain work experience in an agency that will actively recognise and support their difficult journey through gender transition.

On hearing about her nomination, she said:

“It’s a fantastic feeling to be nominated for a Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives Award and I would like to thank the Pilion Trust for helping me to achieve my own goals as well as making ‘Project Silverfish’ possible. Because I have had a difficult past myself, I know all too well about the risks of using drugs to help forget the pain caused by prejudice from local neighbours, employers and even strangers.”

One of Adele’s main aims is to get people back into work, learn new skills and help them gain confidence. She says that this is vital in reducing the risks of them going back to a life of drugs and alcohol misuse.

She continued:

“This community is hidden and marginalised and, as a result, many of them survive by working in the sex industry where illegal substances are rife. The transgender and intersex community has the highest rate of sex workers of any other community in the UK. It’s high time we took a closer look at the reasons why they are there, and help bring them back into mainstream employment, or at least make their lives safer.

“One of the ways we help to do this is by being advocates for those who do not understand how to access statutory benefits. We also offer training programmes for transgender people on ways out of the sex industry, as well as giving practical advice to those who are intersexed or transsexual. Moreover, ‘Project Silverfish’ recognises that it is no longer acceptable to put transgender and intersex people under the umbrella of gay and lesbian issues.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to convince people who have been abused all their lives, that you can be trusted, but I persevere, and I am so proud to say that since launching the project, many people who may have ended up like my friend Alex, now have a bright future - regardless of their background.”

The Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson at the Award Ceremony today, highlighted and praised Adele and her work and congratulated her for being one of the winners of the regional awards.

There were over 230 applicant this year from across the country and was one of the finalists and regional winners.
If you wish to make a donation and support the work that Adele and her volunteers deliver for Project Silverfish, please send a cheque made out to The Pilion Trust, and post it to The Chair, c/o The Pilion Trust, 8 CLarendon Buildings, 25 Horsell Road, London N5 1XL and state that your support and donation are for Project Silverfish.

Pilion Trust ------ Looking for Volunteers

2009-11-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Pilion Trust --- is looking for volunteers --- do you have skills you would like to put to good use --- Financial --- HR --- Business --- Operational --- fundraising ---- Brokering --- Networking ---- Sewing ---- Knitting --- film making ---- photography ---- Computer --- whatever skills you have will be helpful.

Wht not donate your skills to one of our projects.. A couple of hours ---- a day a month --- the choice is yours.

email...adm_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk

Pilion Trust ---Looking for New Trustees

2009-11-26T11:14:00.001-08:00

Do you need a challenge in your life...become a Trustee for The Pilion Trust...for one year!

If you are interested write to the Chair at our office address or email.

Email: ds_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk

Not Forgotten -- Manna memorial Service 2009

2009-11-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

On behalf of The Pilion Trust & The Manna Centre we would like to invite you to:

Not Forgotten ----Manna Memorial Service 2009

An opportunity to remember friends amongst the homeless who have died this year.

Wednesday 2nd December, 3:15pm St Stephen's Church, 17 Canonbury Road, London N1 2DF

Please invite service user's &... Co-worker's and anyone who may be interested in saying goodbye to someone they have lost this year.

Donate to The Pilion Trust

2009-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.justgiving.com/piliontrust/donate

Eco Referral form

2009-04-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

Tier One Assessment Form

2009-02-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

MY JOURNEY FROM A to Z

2009-02-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Written by Mary - helped and supported by The Pilion Trust

My Journey:
It’s my birthday in a couple of weeks and I will be sixty five…. Years have come and gone and I have lost the track of time. It’s what happens to you when you live day to day, hand to mouth and concerned only if I wake up tomorrow. I am one of the remaining ‘Bull Ringers’ famous for being homeless in Waterloo some 15 years ago. Most of the peoplehave gone now….. Lost their lives needlessly.

I am a mother and a grandmother (I think), but do not judge me!... I was born in East London. My mother and father I never knew. I was taken away from my mother as so many children were in those days and placed in an orphanage, even though I wasn’t an orphan.

Years came and went and no-one wanted to adopt me. No one to love me, care for me and even to help me. So I became angrier and bitter as years went by. By sixteen I was old enough to fend for myself said the Social Worker who I had only seen once a year and didn’t know if it was the same woman each year. Released from Care I was on the streets.

Met a fella who seemed nice enough. Caring, happy and sweet.Ended up marrying him and we moved to Croydon. It was happy times being a young house wife looking after my husband, having a family. I even got a job. A couple of years later my first daughter arrived and two years later my second. I was twenty with 2 children and a caring man by my side. I never realised how expensive it would be to raise a family with one salary!!!

But it dawned on my very quickly when the man I thought was caring started blaming me for things. This blame turned violent and physical against me. Then one day after a beating that landed me in hospital, I found myself deciding not to return to that man and went on the streets.

I have lived in many Boroughs, streets and parks over the years. I have met many people wanting to ‘help me’, but it wasn’t until one cold night in January 07, that I met Savvasand Jamie. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t trust or believe them. I was very rude actually. But night after night they came by where I slept with a couple of others and chattered and brought me food or tea.

Over the months, I watched them work with the others I knew, and, these guys were different. They listened!!! We build up respect and trust towards each other and then Savvas informed me that Aston would become my new Worker as Savvas had to run the charity now. Aston to was very gentle and supportive. These guys fought for me, (not in that way) but against the social, housing, benefits.

They found me solicitors (Dana is her name) and they got meallocated some temporary housing. Off the streets,first time in 6 years. Christmas 2007, a room with no food, bedding, telly etc. They went out and found me a tree, bedding, pillows etc... Merry Christmas and happy 2008 to me!!!!!

It didn’t last long….. Aston moved on in the new year and this upset me, but Savvas being Savvas he found me a new Worker by the name of Pattie. I made her work hard to build my trust and faith in her. She too was special and soon instead of arguing with her we had to unite. You see someonehad taken my ID and NI years earlier and was claiming benefits in my place and I didn’t know it.No money, no benefits, no housing….
Islington were about to evict me from my little room which had become my home because of fraud. I found myself again not being believed, trusted and gossip behind my back. But Pilion and Pattie believed me, they stayed strong helping me, they were always there….The stress and injustice makes me want to run away again but Pattie and Savvas challenge me to stay and fight. I thought about it and how much longer could I keep running and decided to stand my ground for the first time in my life.

Believe me this was hard! After 64 years of let downs, abuse, violence, assaults, sexual stuff, I had to trust these guys and stand firm. Another solicitor Azad was to take my case against the social and benefits department of DWP.

I am proud of what I have achieved. I have taken on the services that failed me all my life and now I am about to find my safety and home. If it wasn’t for the Pilion, Savvas, Aston and Pattie and all the people they found tosupport me I think I would have looked forward to dying on the streets on London.

Why? Why me? No-one ever cared enough to love and look after a little girl who was alone. This child turned bitter and nasty because of the system and what society did to her.

Today this little girl stands a proud woman. I help out at a number of churches in Islington and Camden making sure others have a better journey in their life than I did. Ifound my mother (who didn’t want anything to do with me) and recently I found my daughters who do want to meet me. They also tell me I am a granny!

My journey is just beginning…………….
Do not forget the less fortunate as we are not bad people, just bad things have happened to us. Please help and support charities like the Pilion and don’t forget me… My name is Mary.

Also on Freshties 1st of 2 http://www.freshties.com/index.php?action=newspaper&subaction=article&toDo=show&postID=1157

Job Vacancy with the Voyssi Project

2008-11-11T12:10:00.001-08:00

The Voyssi Project has been awarded new funding to deliver Community Cohesion work under the Government's PVE Strategy.

We are looking for someone who is interested in supporting the North African and Arab Communities in North Islington and is not afraid of a challenge and developing a new model of engagement of people who are socially excluded.

This is a 6 -month pilot project and depending on the success of our outcomes it could receive forward funding for 09-10.

Job Title: Muslim Outreach Advice Worker.
Salary: £ 20,020.00 pro rata
Hours: 21 hours per week (flexible)
Location: Islington - Finsbury Park Ward.
Key Responsibilities include:

1. Be familiar with the major issues facing Muslim men in accessing work, training and education.

2. Research available services in the Borough of Islington (with a particular focus on the Finsbury Park Area) in relation to Anti- Social Behaviour, Worklessness, Street Activity. The client group may also have complex needs

3. Delivering the contract to Muslim Men and work closely with partnership agencies.

4. Minimum of one- year frontline working with BME Communities and Socially Excluded Groups.

5. Experience of undertaking assessments, care planning and pathways into work.

6. Engaging with a broad spectrum of the Muslim Communities in the Borough.

7. The ability to manage volunteers.

8. Computer literate in spreadsheets and databases.

Closing date for applications: 30.11.08

For Application pack please e-mail adm_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk or call Tyrone Norris 020 7700-2498

www.buy.at/Piliontrust

2008-10-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Pilion Trust has an on-line shop at www.buy.at/Piliontrust

The on-line shop meets all your shopping needs with a broad range of UK based business. You are also able to access exclusive sales with the business and in addition to shopping effortlessly on-line you help the charity with the commission being paid to Pilion to continue their work with the communities and the vulnerable people that need help.

So, have a look and shop till you drop...............

Banners: buy.at

2008-10-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Banners: buy.at

2008-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Banners: buy.at

Saving the homeless from attack during Halloween

2008-10-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Every year around Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night the homeless population are subjected to malicious attacks by youths and drunken yobs such as fireworks shot at them or people setting them alight.

This year with the support of the Safer Islington Partnership, Government Offices for London, Union Chapel and Pilion's Shelter Me! Project, we are going to try and make a difference, we are implimenting shelter for both nights to help prevent such attacks. We will be providing food, drinks and a bed for the night for the vulnerable homeless and rough sleepers within the Borough.

Families reclaim park with a party after crackdown on street drinking

2008-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

MORE than 200 people enjoyed a day of music, football, face-painting and free massages in the sunshine at Kinloch Park.The community safety day followed a council and police-led drive to tackle street drinkers in the park, which has been a controlled drinking zone since July last year.Islington Council deputy leader Terry Stacy said: “It’s great that so many residents enjoyed a wonderful day out in their local park, which we’ve been working hard to make a better place for families.”Attractions at the event, which took place two weeks ago, included the chance to meet wildlife expert Safari Pete from TV’s The Paul O’Grady Show, football with Arsenal Positive Futures, live bands, a drumming workshop and games of bingo.The day was organised by Islington Council, Islington Police, charity The Pilion Trust and businesswoman Su Forrester-Brown, of Kinloch Castle.

Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 17 October 2008

The buy.at affiliate network

2008-08-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

The buy.at affiliate network

2008-08-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hi I’m Precious! I am the eldest of 6 children and because I was poorly when I was born my mother decided to name me Precious. Trust me this was a hard name to grow into. Not only because of the kids at school but also the high expectations my parents placed on me to succeed. I was the first born, the one to lead by example and support my younger brothers and sisters.

I came from a caring, loving family. We went to church and visited all the aunts and uncles and as kids we were all tight between us, brothers, sisters and cousins. Our home had an open door policy, everyone welcome with a pot of food on the stove for one and all.

I grew tall and strong. Very handsome and caring. Good education, loved my sports, good singer and even dabbled with a bit of modeling in my early twenties. Yes I was the bomb! The ‘G’. Hackney boy done good.

Went out a lot hanging with all the hip crowd in Notting Hill and Portobello, mixing with the IT crowd you could say…. What went wrong? When did it all change? It has taken me 20 years to be able to answer the questions and come to terms with all the bad I have done. Not precious at all….. Shame.!

Dropped out of college, disrespected my family, stole money and stuff from everyone around me to keep me in the lifestyle I believed society owed me. 15 years in and out of jail, heroin, crack and alcohol dependent, violent, hurting people, lost my family and friends. But the worst of all was having 3 children to 2 women that I have no contact with because of everything I have done.

Now fast track things, I was released to a bail hostel in October 06, but went on the run as the hostel was full of idiots on drugs and stuff. So one day after meeting with my Probation Officer, I decided to pick up my stuff leave it with a mate and go underground.

Bad choice!!! Hung out at Finsbury Park and hooked up with a girl called Bev who has just left Holloway. She had a gaff, and invited me to stay. In the beginning it was cool, chilling out with her and her mates, smoking spliff and drinking a few cans no bother. Got my benefits,….. threw her a few quid and,... life was sweet. Or so I thought!!

Quickly I started building up debts to her and she wanted more. No sex, don’t get me wrong she is a fit girl but she is a lesbian. Anyhow, from spiffs I found myself smoking some heroin and then onto the crack. The debt grew and she had some bad ass mates that hurt people. So I was given odd jobs to do to pay for my keep and what quickly became my habit.

Thieving, collecting, delivering and a little strong arming people who owed her money and I was out of control. One night while out at Finsbury Park station doing business, I saw her talking to 2 guys (Outreach Workers), she called me over and said that these guys could help me and that I should listen because I was out of control.

‘It is my gift to you’ .. I remember her saying.

I thought about how bad things had gone and how out of control I was so I decided with some persuasion from Bev to talk my stuff with these guys.

One guy called Aston and the other younger called Karris.

They assessed me and arranged to meet with me the next night. I had to think if going to detox might be the right way forward as I was using over £ 200 per day in crack and heroin plus the rest. I had been detoxed 3 times earlier in my life while in prison, but always using again once released.

They came back 2 nights later as we arranged. They bought me some dinner and started to discuss possible plans. I really wanted to go away. Detox and then to rehab for a long time. We looked at options and discussed ways forward and then decided on a care plan that suited me and we all agreed. (sort of, you see I never told them that I skipped the bail hostel and that there is a warrant out for my arrest).

These guys do work quick. Within a week I was attending a local drug service, receiving counselling and being referred to housing. They never let me down. But I was guilty of not being honest. This ate away at me until one night I decided to come clean.

They spoke to their Manager Savvas, who managed to get the police to have a Doctor waiting with medication and for me to be able to give myself up. Well it took 4 attempts and being stabbed in the arm before I saw what lay ahead and one night they came with me to the police.

I was sent back to Pentonville and 4 weeks later moved to Lincoln Prison. I was to spend the rest of my sentence 5 years in this prison. I got so frightened and angry that I nearly closed down. Aston and Savvas kept their promise they took it in turns coming to the prison for visits and writing to me. All the time speaking to Hackney Care Managers and Probation as well as the prison about my treatment.

I was assessed and it was agreed for me to go to a rehab in Cornwall. I did my programme, attended groups and worked while in prison and 6 months later, I was released to Cornwall. Savvas came up and met me and brought me back to London. On our way to Cornwall he arranged for me to see my parents. I didn't want this but it worked out great and I am glad he brought them to the station.

I have completed all my treatment and I have also trained as a Physical Education Teacher. I am now living the dream. I have a flat on the beach, teach part-time at a local school and support others going through the pain that I went through.

I still come to London but only to visit the family, otherwise, the pace in London is too much for me to cope. I have written to the women I wronged in the past and have started building bridges back to seeing my children.

I am now 40 years old and have hope for my future and that of my children. Not only did Pilion help me but they helped my family too. I am so blessed to have met the guys and as always when I am in London I will go back to support the Pilion. I don’t know how else to say thank you.

I am Precious now ! Not only to myself, but to my parents, children and the community I live in. This has been the best buzz that I can remember. I love life now and don’t want to waste or miss a moment!

Do you think its addictive?

FUNDRAISING APPEAL

2008-08-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

We are calling for business and individuals to help us with raising £ 40,000.00 to open two new premises.

The ZONE is to be a new Centre for support, advice and advocacy for people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless , or people who need advocacy support when dealing with Homeless Persons Units.

The Centre will run 6 days per week, offer a 'chilled' friendly environment where people can express their needs and receive the support they need.

The Hive is a training project assisting people who have been homeless or are returning to the community after being in prison and wish to gain skills in hospitality. We will offer training service, education support and work placements for the volunteers.

If you are interested in supporting us please call 020 7700-2498 for more information or send your donation to The Pilion Trust, 8 Clarendon Buildings, 25 Horsell Road, London N5 1XL

HOMELESS? GET YOUR RIGHTS!

2008-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Council Homeless Persons Units (HPUs) are famous for trying to turn away as many people as they can - telling them they don't fit the criteria to be housed. In reality man of these people are entitled to help - and this might include you.

There are 5 TESTS that the Council must look at to sort what type of help you will be entitled to temporary housing and some priority on the housing register for a permanent home. Even if you don't meet all the tests, you may have the right to some help with housing.

THE 5 TESTS:

Are you homeless? This includes people who will become homeless within the next 28 days or are badly or unsafely housed as well as those who are on the streets (e.g. if you can't stay in your home because you are experiencing violence there).
Are you Eligible? Does your immigration status allow you to be housed by public authority? Do you have recourse to public funds?
Are you in priority needs? Some people are automatically in priority need - e.g. pregnant women, people with children, 16 & 17 year olds, 18-20 year olds who have been in care and people who have been made homeless by and emergency such as a flood. 'others will have to show that their problems make them 'vulnerable' - e.g. someone who has serious mental health problems, or someone who is elderly man be vulnerable.
Are you intentionally homeless? If the council think it is your fault you are homeless, then they man only have to house you for a very short time while they help you find your own accommodation
Local Connection. This is the LAST thing a Council should consider and not the first! If you don't have a local connection with the borough where you are applying and you have one with somewhere else, the Council man tell the borough where you have a connection to house you. But they can only do this AFTER they have investigated your case and made a decision about whether you pass the first 4 tests.

WHAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD DO:

If the council has reason to believe you may be homeless now or within the next 28 days, they MUST take your application and start the investigating the 5 tests. This application is not the same thing as being put on the housing register. At the end of their investigation they MUST house you while they look into the 5 tests in more detail.

"Reason to believe" is not the same as proof or evidence. A recent case in the high court said that if a person goes to a Homeless Persons Unit to get help, this is enough in itself to give the Council reason to believe the person may be homeless.

WHAT THEY ACTUALLY DO:

Councils often do everything they can to refuse to or delay in housing people even if there is clearly a reason to believe they may be homeless, eligible and in priority need. These are some of the things council's say to try turn you away:

They can't help until they've done a home visit sometime in the future
They can't help until you've actually been evicted by the bailiffs
They won't help until you bring in a doctors report
They won't help until you've gone through meditation(for example with your parents to see if they will change their mind about throwing you out)
They won't help until you show a police report about the violence you've been suffering

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Most of these tactics are unlawful. If this happens to you - stand firm and tell the Council that you know your rights and that you won't be turned away! If they still refuse to help, ask for a written decision letter telling you why they won't help and take this to an advice agency or contact us.

JOB VACANCY FOR OUTREACH SUBSTANCE MISUSE WORKER

2008-05-17T06:37:00.001-07:00

The Islington ECO Service has a full-time vacancy for a Substance Misuse Outreach Worker.

ECO is the lead agency for Islington working with vulnerable people with complex needs. The service delivers outreach and community centre based surgeries focusing on advice, advocacy and treatment support for rough sleepers, the homeless and people in temporary accommodation.

Key requirements for the position are;

*NVQ3 in substance misuse (or prepared to undertake vocational qualification).

* Be familiar with major issues affecting rough sleepers, homeless and the street population in relation to drug, alcohol misuse; housing; benefits etc., within the Borough of Islington.

* Experience in partnership working with statutory, voluntary and community sector agencies.

* Experience of working with drug and/or alcohol misuse and homelessness.

* Experience of front line outreach and street work with vulnerable and choatic individuals.

* Ability to undertake triage and risk assessments, care planning and reviews.

* Knowledge of Models of Care and Tier 2 and 3 services.

* Computer literate Windows 08; speadsheets and databases.

Salary: £ 23,295.00 per annum

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week (flexible rota early and late shifts)

Holidays: 24 days per annum, plus public and bank holidays.

Closing date: 13 June 2008 at 5pm

If you wish to apply please contact Tyrone Norris on 020 7700-2498 or adm_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk for further information and an application pack.

VOYSSI TRAINING

2008-04-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Voyssi Training is running its final seminar for the multi-cultural and diverse groups of Islington. This training has been designed to meet the needs of the local groups to improve their practice and develop their staff and volunteers.

Monday 28th April 2008 the Seminar training seesion is on 'Women, families and youth. The effects of substance misuse on the family network'.

If you wish to attend please call Georgina Gavriel on 020 7700-2601 to book a place. (Lunch is included)

The seminars are free for Islington Groups.

ECO SERVICE- lead provider for homelessness

2008-04-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Islington ECO Service was named by the DAAT and Safer Islington Partnership as the lead voluntary sector provider for the homeless and street population within the Borough.

This brings a holistic approach to the needs of the vulnerable and complex needs people who cannot access services.

The service runs from Sunday to Friday days and nights. Sessions are delivered at the Manna Centre, AAB, St. James' Shelter and St. Johns' Shelter.

ECO also works in partnership with the Street Wardens, DART Team, Angel Drug Service, N7 and New Horizon's WOS.

QHA AWARDS GRANT FUNDING TO ECO SERVICE

2008-04-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Pilion's ECO Service received earlier this month a grant from Quakers Homeless Action in support of their work with the vulerable and entrenched people who live and use the streets of inner London.

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

2008-04-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

VOYSSI PROJECT is running a free training session for the multi-cultural and diverse community services in Islington on Monday 14th April 2008.

The topic is on Mental Health our communities and accessing services.

If you are interested in booking a place for your staff and volunteers pelase call Georgina Gavriel on 020 7700-2601 or e-mail her on gg_piliontrust@hotmail.co.uk

Pilion Trust received confirmation of National Lottery Awards entry.

2008-03-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Pilion Trust received notification on the 19th March 2008, that the charity has been entered in the National Lottery Awards 2008.

Dolores Steadman (CHAIR of the Pilion Trust)... 'welcomed the recognition from the Lottery Board of the work and achievements over the last 12 months of the staff and volunteers in ensuring a safe treatment pathway for the vulnerable and homeless clients who have complex needs.

We look forward to hearing the outcome later in the year'

COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING

2008-03-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Pilion Trust have been awarded Community Chest Funding in Islington to continue the work of the Islington ECO Project - 'Enhanced Community Outreach' which focuses on vulnerable homeless people and families in Islington with complex needs.

The additional funding will assist the Team in working more days on the streets of Islington and with partner agencies like St. Mungo's, Cranstoun, Turning Point, The Manna Centre, Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Street Wardens, DART and ART teams to advocate and support the vulnerable to access appropriate treatment, healthcare and housing.

VOYSSI - 'A meeting place of many voices'

2008-03-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Voyssi is a new pilot initiative funded by Islington Drug and Alcohol Team to support the multi-cultural and diverse community that Islington has to support its people in gaining faster and more appropriate access to drug and alcohol treatment and mental health services.

Over 32 community organisations including race, ethicity, disabililty, gender, age, youth, women, faith and belief groups have taken part in the initial programme and in April 2008, Voyssi will run a series of conferences to enable, empower and training staff and volunteers from these organisations how to support, advise and refer people into services across the Borough.

For more information please contact Georgina Gavriel - Project Co-ordinator on 020 7700-2498. The conferences are free to all multi-cultural groups in the Borough of Islington.

Quakers Homeless Action working with The Pilion Trust.

2007-11-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

Quakers Homeless Action (QHA) announced today that they will be working in partnership with the Pilion Trust at their Quaker Open Christmas Shelter 2007.

The shelter will be based at the Union Chapel in Islington's Upper Street and will be open over the Christmas Period from the 23rd December to 30th December 2007, helping the homeless and disadvantaged to have somewhere to go and celebrate the festive season that isn't on the cold London streets.

The Pilion Trust will be delivering a substance misuse and mental health service for those vulnerable guests who are in need of support and guidance.

If you are free and would like to help the QHA, please visit there website: www.quaker.org.uk and apply to be a volunteer and support the work that Quakers deliver to the homeless while making a difference in the life of those less fortunate.

(There is training available to support you in helping those in need)

Pilion Trust and City Lit sign training agreement for NVQ qualification for ex drug users

2007-09-26T02:26:00.001-07:00

Pilion Trust and City Lit signed agreements yesterday to work in partnership in delivering NVQ qualified training to ex service users who wish to work as Outreach Worker, Group Workers and Substance Misuse Worker.

This partnership means that ex drug and alcohol users will be able to complete training placements with the Pilion Trust while completing their education with City Lit and will be able to join the workforce and sustain themselves independently.

The first students will be inducted from October 2007.

For more information about training and course go to the City Lit Website.

Drug and Alcohol Training

2007-09-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Pilion Trust in partnership with Unleash Housing Justice for the homeless are running a day long training in drug and alcohol awareness. The training is free for members of Unleash and for Voluntary agencies.

The Training is on Thursday 4th October 2007 from 9:30am to 4:30pm in London SW1.

For more information please e-mail alistair.murray@housingjustice.org.uk or info@housingjustice.org.uk or call on 020 7723-7273

Enhanced Community Outreach - ECO

2007-08-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Pilion Trust has been commissioned by the Multi Agency Geographical Partnership Initiatives in Islington to work alongside the SNT and Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the Borough supporting vulnerable people who are rough sleeping and have substance misuse issues and cannot access treatment.

PREMIER LEAGUE - 'Creating Chances'

2007-08-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Barclays Bank in connection with the Premier League Football Clubs, announced on the 31 July 2007, that Arsenal Football Club chose the Pilion Trust as one of the charities/ good causes to support.

Arsenal Football Club were particularly impressed with the application and the work that the Pilion Trust has been involved in supporting homeless people with Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health issues improve their quality of life by reducing or stopping their drug and alcohol use.

In the last 6-months over 26 people have engaged in treatment pathways and are no longer using or dependant on drugs and alcohol.

The award is a grant of £ 2,000.00 for the Pilion Trust to use on publicity and promotion of their work.

If you are interested in supporting the Pilion Trust as have the Football League and Arsenal contact Jacqui on 020 7700-2498.

Well Mens Clinic - Good Health is Wealth

2007-08-07T03:08:00.000-07:00

This weeks EC1 Ne Deal Well Men's Clinic will be held at St. Luke's Centre, Central Street EC1, from 1:30pm and goes on to 3:30pm.

So, if you are a male aged between 18 and 50 and would like a health check and information about GP practises and Islington Services please come down and speak to one of the Team.

The service is a private and confidential one and the assessment takes about 20mins.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our clinics.

Help Support the Pilion Trust and its work

2007-07-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

People regularly ask how they maybe able to help and support the work that is carried out by the Pilion. The Management Committee have looked at possible options and they have suggested the following:

1. Donate your time: Become a Volunteers or Befriender and support the staff and clients
through giving of your time and expertise.
2. Donate a space: If you have empty buildings or houses that can be used as temporary shelter for the homeless please contact us.
3. Donate goods: If you have household goods that could be given to homeless people who
are moving into a new home and don't have any funds for furniture etc., recycle your goods and help another.
4. Donate money: Gift money to the organisation to continue with their work with the homeless and vulnerble. (make cheques payable to The Pilion Trust)

Contact us at: 8 Clarendon Buildings, 25 Horsell Road, London N5 1XL.

Working with Working Women

2007-07-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

The Pilion Trust is currently delivering in partnership with New Horizon's, N7 and SHOC a night time Outreach Service for working women with drug and alcohol problems. This initiative works across 3 Inner London Boroughs. They include Islington, Hackney and Haringey.

The Team engage with the women and support them with advice on safer sex, STDs, Harm reduction on drug use and sign post the women to treatment and support services.

Outreach Service in Islington

2007-07-12T09:41:00.001-07:00

The Pilion Trust delivers an Enhanced Outreach Service in partnership with St. Mungo's, N7 and Women's Outreach Service.

The multi discipinary team works on the streets of Islington working with the homeless, street population, working girls etc who do not, or, cannot recieve a service through mainstream services.

The service offers harm minimisation advice, harm reduction and information about accessing treatment. The service also offers advice on housing, benefits, skills, education, training, employment, advocacy for legal issues etc.

Well Men's Clinic EC1 New Deal for Communities

2007-07-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Government's health authority has found that under 40% of men aged 18 to 50 years of age have registered with a Gp practise to look at their health and wellbeing.

EC1 New Deal for Communities has commissioned a partnership between EC1 General Practises, Islington PCT Smoking Cessation and the Pilion Trust to deliver over the next year an outreach clinic for men who live in the EC1 Area.

The clinics take place every Wednesday between 4:30pm and 7pm. They are at a different location each week. These include your local TMO Offices, Housing Offices, Day Centres, Community Centres, Shopping Centres and Local Buisnesses. Details are published each month in the EC1 NDC Newletter, displayed at your local GP Surgery, and in advance at the location.