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STORIES OF CLIENTS
The Chaplaincy
Paul****** Ex offender GMCC
The Chaplaincy has helped me in many ways, I found out about the chaplaincy whilst I was in prison. I picked up a leaflet that said they could help link you up with a Church after being released, which they did.
As I have heard many times people in prison get to find god, in my case it's 100% true, it was the most awesome feeling in the world. I felt the Holy Spirit move in me, from them I wanted to know more about Jesus and the bible.
Since then my life has changed considerably for the best, that's when I made a promise to the Lord to find a Church upon my release.
Then I received a letter from the organisers saying ring the chaplaincy for an appointment, so I did that and from that day I am a regular customer in their café central (yes it's a small café) and the lunch time church service in Manchester.
They have helped provide both housing and job references, I was homeless after being released from prison and now I have my own place and I have got my life back in order. I even have a volunteer; it's like a befriending service, we meet up and have a chat and discuss anything at all, it's good to talk to get things off your chest and the best thing about the chaplaincy they actually listen to you! They even got me a food parcel when things were a bit difficult, (you have to go through the proper channels to receive this).
The chaplaincy was most helpful to me as I did not know anyone when I moved to Manchester; in fact it was quite lonely at first, so I really looked forward to meeting my volunteer, this was someone I could trust and even have a moan too if things were getting me down.
They have started a bible study group which is run by the volunteers, it's in the chapel in Central Hall, this is an excellent way to find out about the bible and the atmosphere is very relaxed. I'm sure the chaplaincy could help you whatever your situation. I only know a small part of what they have to offer, why not give them a call, they have been a great help to me.
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Offenders Letter from inside prison.
My name is ----- ------ and I am currently in HMP Manchester. I am writing to say that I attended the Bible group meetings on A Wing, which is run by church volunteers. I would like to say thanks to the following church volunteers for doing such a fantastic job; Alan, Duncan, John and Brian. I would also like to say a special thank you to Marlene, she is a lady with a very warm heart and she makes me feel better about myself every time I see her.
I just wanted them to know that they do a very worthwhile job. I will continue to go to the church groups and I hope to find a good church to go to when I am released.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter.
Yours sincerely