News from North West England

Find out how we are finding homes for children in North West England

Mike Chesterton shares updates, encouragement and prayer points related to Home for Good’s work across the North-West.

Mike's reflection

I have worn glasses since I was about 13 years old and so my morning routine starts with me fishing around on my bedside surface for my glasses so that I can then see to get myself up and dressed -and for all that I do throughout the day. They are an everyday object that I put on, almost without thinking.

In Exodus 4, following a conversation in which Moses attempts to convince God that he’s the wrong man to go and tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go, God asks Moses “What is in your hand?” The truth is that the staff Moses has in his hand is a bit like my glasses, an everyday object that Moses automatically picks up on his way out the door each morning. In the verses that follow, God shows Moses that this everyday stick – a bit of a tree – can become a transformational tool in God’s hand.

What everyday thing do you have that could become transformational if placed in God’s hands? Do you have some time to help support someone who is fostering, or could you use it to help Home for Good connect with your church? Maybe you have a spare room, and you could let Home for Good help you explore what it might look like to care for a child that so needs somewhere to call home?

For Moses, what seemed impossible to him became possible when he allowed God to use the everyday thing he had, to bring about the miracle of transformation.

Recent highlights

Mike received a great welcome when he spoke recently at St Michael’s Church in Grimsargh and also at Metro Church in Bury. Thanks to everyone who came along. If you would like a Home for Good speaker at your church, then please use the online ‘Book a speaker’ form or contact Mike directly.

In March 2023, Home for Good invited the Stockport Soul Children Choir to come along to our celebration event and perform the song ‘Will You Make Room For Me?’ written specifically for Home For Good. After the event, the parents of one young boy, Robert*, chatted with the choir leader and agreed that the choir would be a great place for Robert to come and spend time with other children his age singing, learning about Jesus, and finding social interaction. Robert’s parents consistently brought him to choir practices, and he soon began to feel at home. Twelve months on Robert is a much-valued member of the choir, participating in their discussions, asking questions, and generally getting involved. Thank you, Soul Children Stockport, for living out the song by making room for Robert in your family.

(*Name changed)

Support groups

You don’t have to be around Home for Good for long to know that we are passionate about peer-to-peer support for foster carers and adoptive parents. One of the ways we help facilitate that support is through a network of support groups.

One of these groups meets in Bolton and is run by an amazing group of volunteers from St Peter’s Church in Halliwell. At the end of last year, Mike had the privilege of going along to see what the group were up to and meet some of the folks who come along to their bi-monthly Saturday morning gathering. After a wonderful bring and share lunch, many of the children joined in with sport and craft groups whilst their parents/carers were able to enjoy a hot drink and a chat with others in the group, knowing their children were in a safe and secure environment.

Tanya, who leads the volunteer team says, “It’s a great group that brings together carers and the children that they care for in an informal and relaxed setting.”

Amongst a number of great conversations Mike had, Ali (a regular member of the group) shared some of her story:

“We started attending the Home for Good group once we'd been approved to adopt, but it was almost a year between that time and our little boy moving in with us. Everyone helped us feel welcome, and it was good to hear stories of adoption, fostering and kinship care from a whole range of people. We found the matching process quite disheartening and difficult at times, but knowing that there were people from our Home for Good community actively praying for us in this was a real comfort.

Since our little boy has been placed we have found the group a safe space to come and chat to others who understand the emotional rollercoaster that is the adoption process!

It has been a joy to attend over the last few meetings as a family of three, and we are so grateful that our son will be able to grow up seeing other families similar to his own through the group.”

There are, currently Home for Good groups in Lytham, Bolton, Liverpool, Widnes, Chester, Northwich, Sale, and Altrincham. If you would like to be part of one of our groups, then please do get in touch with Mike who can connect you with the group leaders. If we don’t have a group in your area but you would like to be part of one, then let us know and we can help explore how together we can make that happen.

Walk with me

Once again, this year, many of our supporters and volunteers in the North West will be taking part in Walk With Me our summer of FUNdraising campaign. One of our volunteers who will be taking part is Phil Watson who writes:

“I’m passionate about the difference we can make for children in the care system and Walk With Me is such a great way to get family/friends/church involved. We had such a great time last year and we’re looking forward to walking even further and raising even more support this year. And the green shoe laces are such a brilliant way of attracting attention”

Why not join Phil, and loads of other supporters, volunteers and their family and friends as they take up the challenge. And let’s really put the North West on the Walk With Me map this summer. To find out more and to register, visit Home For Good | Walk with me.

Comedy & Curry

Back by popular demand, an evening of Comedy and Curry will take place at Bethany Church Gatley on Wednesday 16th October. Hilarious comedy from Tony Vino, delicious curry from Cuppaccino Bistro, great conversations – and your £20 ticket even includes a donation to Home for Good. Book your place now at Comedy and Curry Night Tickets, Wed 16 Oct 2024 at 19:30 | Eventbrite (Please note there is a small Eventbrite booking fee).

Mike’s out and abouts

Mike is looking forward to speaking at Bramhall Baptist Church on 15th September, Christ Church Thornton on 22nd September, St James Church Birkdale on 29th September, and The Centre 4 Renewal in Ellesmere Port on 27th October. Mike will also be taking part in the service at Lakeside Church Southport on 8th September.

What can I be praying for?

We would love you to stand with us in prayer as we continue to work to find a home for every child who needs one in North West England.

Please thank God for all those from the North West who we have journeyed with so far this year. Also, thank God for all those who have pledged to be part of our Who Cares? Movement – be that by praying, exploring fostering, adoption or supported lodgings, volunteering, or giving financially. (Home For Good | Who Cares).
As our staff and volunteers visit events and speak in churches over the next few months, please ask God to speak to those they meet and that they will respond to the challenge to respond and say I Care!
Please pray for the folks who run our Bolton Support Group. Pray for stamina (many have been helping for many years) and for more volunteers to come forward to help. Please also pray they will continue to be able to make a massive difference in the lives of those who foster, adopt, or provide supported lodgings.