The work of Valley CIDS

Valley CIDS is a multi-faceted charity based in Swanwick, but operates extensively throughout Heanor and Ripley and the whole of the Amber Valley. It is a Christian charity that never imposes its faith or beliefs on others; it is totally inclusive, serving and respecting everyone regardless of their personal status, situation or beliefs.

Though its growing network of Lighthouse charity shops and The Saltpot, a popular coffee shop venue in Swanwick, Valley CIDS supports two Blend Youth Projects in Ripley and Heanor, children's' work in local schools and many breakfast and after school clubs throughout the area.

Valley CIDS is funded primarily through the Lighthouse charity shops and public donations.

Blend Youth Project - Raising Aspirations, Releasing Potential

Do you want to try new activities, meet new friends and develop new skills and self-confidence? Are you aged 11-19? Then Blend Youth Project is here for you.

With the motto of "Raising Aspirations, Releasing Potential", Blend Youth Project aims to provide a space where young people feel safe, valued and supported and where they can enjoy activities and opportunities designed to improve their leisure time opportunities, health, quality of life, reduce the risk of getting involved in alcohol/drug misuse, crime and anti-social behaviour and promote their economic well-being.

Centres are based on Mundy Street in Heanor and Nottingham Road in Ripley and offer a safe and vibrant meeting place for young people, which include a drop-in area with internet access, large screen console games, pool, snack and coffee bar, chill-out zone, information zone and much more. Other activities on offer include street dance, healthy-eating workshops, dj-ing, traversing wall, music workshops and art workshops. Holiday activity programmes are also provided during each half-term and throughout the summer and experienced and trained youth work staff are always there to provide an opportunity for young people to talk, be listened to and feel supported

Blend Youth Project is also committed to working in partnership in support of young people and as such provides a young person's counseling service in partnership with Safe Speak and Sexual Health drop-ins in partnership with the Derbyshire County Council. The project also works closely with local secondary schools local schools in providing support and alternative education provision for young people who are facing difficulties or barriers to succeeding in mainstream education.

Children's Work

Valley CIDS are working in over 60 Derbyshire Schools, through its Quest Children's work programme of school assemblies, RE lessons, interactive RE workshops, clubs and Church holiday clubs and activities which include games, quizzes, craftwork and Bible stories.

The Children's Workers currently run

• 9 lunchtime clubs
• 7 after school clubs

The Children's Breakfast club currently run

·   4 breakfast clubs

Volunteers are always welcome subject to CRB checks being required.

Lighthouse Charity Shops

Valley CIDS generates funds through its network of Lighthouse Charity Shops, investing all profits back into the local communities through children's work in local schools, breakfast and after school clubs and the Blend Youth Project Centres. The shops sell a wide range of second-hand goods, including furniture, electrical items, clothes, books and bric a brac.

Donations of good quality items are very welcome and collection can be arranged for larger items.

Volunteering opportunities are always available from just three hours to a few days per week.

Volunteering with Valley CIDS

The charity provides numerous volunteering opportunities, training local people to work with children and the public through Christian Lunch-time school clubs, Christian After-school clubs, Youth Work activities, Charity Shop workers, Drivers/Drivers Mates and the Saltpot Café.

Appropriate training is given and for some roles a CRB check may be required.

For more information, please call 01773 609603 or email info.valleycids@w3z.co.uk