Dear Editor St Joseph’s Dinnington collaborating with Swinton Lock Activity Centre On a cold morning on Saturday 9 December 2017, two adult survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham and a father and an advocate (a youth worker) came to St Joseph’s Dinnington to talk about their experiences over a period of about 20 years and about the amazing work taking place at Swinton Lock Activity Centre. It was a profoundly moving occasion. The immediate response from individuals at St Joseph’s Dinnington, within 24 hours, was to donate, or promise to donate, £585 to Swinton Lock. A member of St Joseph’s wrote: “It was so refreshing and humbling to see people who have been so badly hurt and damaged working so hard to help others. They are certainly an example to everyone. They are certainly to be admired. Thank you.” Swinton Lock Activity Centre is a community based Arts, Education and Activity Centre. Swinton Lock is an amazing charity. I have been to Swinton Lock once a week for the past eight weeks and I have seen the enormous benefit that the staff there bring to everyone who attends the Centre. The Centre has a special role to play in addressing the needs of vulnerable adults, children and young people with complex, multiple needs and or/disabilities. There is a strong people focused, non- judgemental ethos. Support Includes: • Group Art / Craft activities for fun & therapy • A whole range of hands on activities for everyone regardless of age, ability or experience • One to one outreach support • Advocacy • Work to involve CSE Survivors and their families in developing policy, raising awareness and supporting others • Work with those at risk of or suffering from domestic and sexual abuse. • Re-engagement work with Young People at risk of exclusion or struggling to access full time education • Supporting Children & Young People in need with after school activities • The Centre also owns 2 narrowboats, one of which is fully accessible to those with disabilities, for training (environmental, learning & educational opportunities) and leisure on our local waterways. • Volunteering Opportunities On a personal note, on 13 December 2016, I had major surgery for cancer. I want to celebrate the success of my cancer surgery a year on by walking 100 miles for Swinton Lock. I will walk at least 4 miles a day on as many days as possible until I have walked 100 miles - I hope to complete the 100 miles during December and early January. If anyone wants to sponsor my walk and donate to the amazing work carried out at Swinton Lock, please go to: https://fundraise.charitycheckout.co.uk/swintonlock/profile Liam Harron Justice and Peace Representative St Joseph’s Dinnington