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Sejuiced by Yummy Shakes and Smoothies

Twenty-five lucky brothers and sisters of children supported by
Noah's Ark enjoyed an indulgent day out on Tuesday 14 February aboard a unique, fully modified London Double Decker bus. The ShakeTastic bus, which is based in Potters Bar, is the brain child of Josh Kettle, owner of Shaketastic Milkshake & Juice Bars.

The outing was organised by Dan Jones, Noah's Ark Family Support and Siblings Worker who said "I'm not sure who had more fun at this outing, the kids or the adults. The bus is an amazing party venue. The children enjoyed playing with the Nintendo Wii, singing along with the Karaoke machine, and of course drinking the fantastic shakes. All in all they had a great time. Thank you to Josh and his team
for making it such a fun day."

This outing, and the regular bi-monthly meetings, form part of a programme of activities that are specifically organised throughout the year for the siblings.

Dan explains, "Since the programme was set up in February 2010, we have held 22 bi-monthly meetings, 15 outings and 2 weekend away trips. These activities give the siblings a chance to have fun and build relationships. They also provide them with opportunities to share experiences and feelings with other children that are, or have been, in a similar situation. Ultimately, we aim to make the children and young people feel less isolated and provide an appropriate support system."

Dan is supported at these events by volunteers who have all received 'working with siblings' training, as well as members of the Noah's Ark family support team.
Here's what one happy child, Thomas, had to say after the outing, "This was a fantastic day out …it is great to be able to have fun and put all your problems aside. I enjoy meeting friends who share a similar life-experience - I can be myself."

Speaking after the event Josh Kettle said, "ShakeTastic are pleased and proud to help such a very touching and worthwhile local charity. The commitment and the help that Noah's Ark gives to these children and their families is fundamental and if we can help bring a smile to the children's faces as well, then that is all we can ask."

Parent Consultation

On Monday 30^th January, Noah's Ark held its second Parent Consultation at the Greek Cypriot Centre in North Finchley. The Parent Group programme was started in 2011 (during which 6 were held) and the consultation was an opportunity for parents to come and express how they felt the Parent's Groups had worked - what they liked, what they didn't like and what they would like to see in the future. It was attended by 8 parents and was facilitated by Market Research Company IPSOS. Lots of fantastic feedback was gathered as Noah's Ark really looks to expand the Parent Group programme throughout 2012.

Shop Visit by Local MP Theresa Villiers

Theresa Villiers visited our new shop on Barnet High Street last week. Theresa has been a patron for Noah's Ark since 2007 and has, for many years, campaigned on important local issues for Barnet.

"I was delighted to visit Noah's Ark's 'shop for charity' last week and have the opportunity to meet some of the staff and volunteers who work there.  As a Patron of the charity it gives me great pride to hear about all the wonderful practical and emotional support that is being offered to local families, long may it last.  Best wishes for a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year."

From left to right: Theresa Villiers, CEO of Noah's Ark Gill Dodge, shop manager Nick Nicolaou and shop volunteer Gloria.

Winter Party Family Day

On Saturday 26^th November Noah's Ark held our last Family Day of 2011 - where has the year gone?! Our Winter Party was held at the University of Hertfordshire where over 150 family members came along for fun and games lead by our wonderful entertainers, ice king & queen. The room was transformed into a winter wonderland where they enjoyed a disco, chocolate fountain and lots of winter themed arts and crafts.

In addition to all of this they also got to have a family portrait taken by our photographer which was then printed on the day and given to them with a balloon and chocolate treat as they left. This event wouldn't have been possible without the support of Aramco. Aramco are corporate supported who sponsored the day. Not only did they fund this amazing Family Day but they supported on the day and were a huge help.

Huge thanks to all who participated, Design-A-Party for their support, our wonderful Family Support Volunteers and all those who offered their services at a discounted rate for free of charge. We really appreciate your support.

Future Mooring - An Update!

The building of a new children's hospice is not a project for the fainthearted. As others before us have found, to realise the vision, you must have determination and passion to overcome the hurdles that emerge along the way. There is an African proverb that says 'Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors' - at Noah's Ark we continue to learn at every stage of the voyage! From the outside some of you may feel not much has happened as yet on the hospice project but much hard work has been going ahead behind the scenes, so a quick summary on the good progress and the challenges that lie ahead.

Final Planning Application:  This will be submitted to the London Borough of Barnet very shortly, with approval anticipated by January 2012. The bespoke site design has come together extremely well. The hospice will provide us with a very special environment to care for life-limited children. The enhanced environmental facilities will also offer the wider community a focal point for engagement with nature on their doorstep.

Our First Charity Shop

It was a very exciting and busy month at Noah's Ark as we anticipated the opening of our very first 'shop for charity' on Barnet High Street. We had a number of donations from celebrities that supported us including Shane Riche, who is our Ambassador, Stephan Merchant, Matt Lucas, Flawless, to name but a few. All of these items were displayed in our window and auctioned on eBay raising just over £460

(not to mention a few eyebrows, especially over Tamzin Outhwaite's stage knickers from her performance in 'Sweet Charity').

Members of the public, along with Noah's Ark staff and volunteers enjoyed the official opening of its first retail charity shop, with a crowd gathering to witness 'Outnumbered' actor and Barnet resident, Daniel Roche cut the ribbon and officially open the doors on Saturday 12 November. 

A surprise appearance by another local celebrity and Noah's Ark supporter, Demetri, from Stavros Flatley added to the excitement of the occasion.

We would like to say a huge thank you to The RSA Trust, who have given Noah's Ark a great deal of support with the shop opening.

UPDATE! Are your wardrobes and cupboards bulging at the seams?
We finally have storage space for your donations! So all of you who have been collecting and patiently storing for us, at last, can now hand over your goods! We can accept donations at our offices at 3 Beauchamp Court,10 Victors Way, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5TZ or directly at our shop which is on Barnet High Street a few steps away from the Spires.

We would love to receive donations of clothing for men, women and children, hand bags, shoes and belts, CDs and DVDs (originals only), jewellery, sets of china, glasses and vases. Also don't forget those unopened toiletries, perfumes and gift sets you were given or purchased but never used, we would love to have those too!

Do you have a few hours to spare each week?
Why not consider becoming a shop volunteer. We need a bank of volunteers who can commit to a regular slot each week. We can guarantee a fun and rewarding environment, where you will get the chance to boost the fundraising efforts of the Charity - helping to make a real difference to our families.