Together4Bristol : Our new CEO and Christmas thanks!

Our new CEO and Christmas thanks!

Welcome to Elizabeth

I'm excited to be able to introduce Elizabeth Preece to you (see below). She will be taking over from Tim as our new CEO in mid February. Elizabeth has wide experience of not just supporting people on the margins, but also in running a church and even as a translator at the Serious Organised Crime Agency. This marks a new season for Sixty-One as we increase our resources to be able to provide more support for ex-prisoners and to work in closer partnership with the churches in doing this.

Andy Street - Chair

Elizabeth (second left) meets the rest of the Sixty-One team

I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team at Sixty-One and to be a part of the incredible work that it does. Isaiah 61, the scripture from which Sixty-One takes its name, has long been one that is close to my heart. I am passionate not only about meeting people at their critical point of need, but releasing them into their full potential through mentoring and empowerment. With several years’ experience working in front-line ministry, on social action projects and a background as a linguist within international law enforcement, my work has at its core a passion to help people on the margins of society. More than this, I long to see society respond to and recognise those on the margins as they truly are; the strong, honourable restorers and rebuilders that they have been created to be. Key to this is Sixty-One’s unique position to be able to meet critical needs, provide options and empower people through its amazing projects, courses and partnership working. I count it a privilege to be joining Sixty-One in this next phase and an honour to continue the valued work that it carries out.

Elizabeth Preece

Only two spaces left!

In January we'll be holding another training session for people who wish to explore if mentoring is the right for them. These four part sessions will give you a much greater understanding of what it means to be a mentor - without committing yourself to this role. You will also learn a lot about yourself, and it's great fun :-) If after the course you feel that mentoring is something you would like to try, our team will explore this possibility with you. To find out more contact alisonp@sixty-one.org. Venue: The Meeting House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NN on: -- Saturday 22nd January 9.30am - 3.30pm -- Thursday 27th January 7 to 9pm -- Saturday 5th February 09.30am - 3.30pm -- Thursday 10th 7 to 9pm Optional: Thursday 17th Feb 7- 9pm (only for those planning to apply to become a MentorMe mentor)

Christmas thanks from prisoners.

Just some of the feedback sent to us by prisoners who received a Christmas gift bag.

I wanted to drop you a line to say a heartfelt thank you for the amazing Christmas gift bags you supplied for all inmates in HMP Leyhill. The bags contents were very well thought out, from the useful to treats. For me personally, being my first and only Christmas inside, I found the bag very heart warming bringing a little bit of normality into Leyhill prison. I am saving the lovely soft socks for a special visit from my disabled brother.

Thank you all who are involved in the fantastic scheme of giving prisoners a gift for Christmas. It shows the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and his teachings, of thinking of others, who are not in the same position as themselves. The excitement from a lot of the prisoners, that they would receive a gift from the church was the talk of the prison. My faith is Catholic and I attend mass weekly. All faiths who support Sixty-One need a big pat on the back. On release in 2023 I will support the charity, I will never forget the kindness shown by you all.

A thank you card sent to Zac and Paul who signed this prisoners Christmas card.

Please Pray

Please pray for Elizabeth starting in her new role as CEO of Sixty-One in mid-Feburary. Please pray our upcoming mentor training will be well attended and not affected by Covid. Please pray for our fundraising. Raising money for work with prisoners is never easy.

_{Posted: February 2022}