all of which is given away.
Overseas mission and aid societies:
- The Church Mission Society (CMS) is the largest Anglican Mission Society, and supports our link mission partner Robbie Langford.
- USPG, the other large Anglican mission society, exchanging people, resources and training for mission; it has long been connected with Hospital Teule in Muheza, Northern Tanzania.
- The Leprosy Mission is an interdenominational, international charity bringing healing and restoration to some 200,000 people affected by leprosy in 28 countries.
- The Bible Society aims to make a translation of the Bible available across the world.
- The Oxford Mission has two indigenous Christian communities undertaking education of boys in Calcutta and a student hostel in Barisal, Bangladesh.
- Christian Aid works where need is greatest, supporting local organisations which understand local needs.
- Traidcraft aims to promote Fairtrade and challenge the way international trading systems are structured; Traidcraft goods are made available at many St Mary’s events.
Among the Christian societies doing valuable work mainly in the UK we support:
- The Children’s Society remains an expression of Christian concern; it concentrates its resources on tackling the root causes of the problems children and young people face.
- The Redbridge Night Shelter runs a night shelter in York Road Ilford, offering advice on housing and benefits.
- Church Army is an Anglican organisation, concentrating on evangelism and social aid in the UK.
- The Manna Society is a Christian response to the problems faced by those living on the streets in London. It operates a day centre near London Bridge providing food, health care and advice for homeless people.
- The Essex Clergy Charity helps a small but steady stream of clergy and their families who have fallen victim to the financial hazards of their vocation.
Secular charities also meet local or national needs:
- The Haven House Foundation has a lease on The White House in Woodford Green and provides respite care for children with severe life-limiting conditions and hospice care for terminally ill children and their families.
- ELHAP (East London Handicapped Adventure Playground) has a wide range of facilities for children with one or more disabilities in its playground in Roding Lane North.
- Sightsavers works in the world’s poorest countries, teaching eye care skills and hygiene to adults and children, organising eye screening camps, treatments, education, surgical training, and rehabilitation.
- Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that may lead to suicide.
- Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) works chiefly in southeast England, providing advice, advocacy and counselling, Groups and Clubs, and Equipment Needs Assessment.
- Marie Curie Cancer Care provides care for thousands of cancer patients. Marie Curie Nurses care for around 50% of cancer patients who die at home. The charity also supports cancer and palliative care research.