Felixstowe Listening Service

18/01/2018

Just over six years ago, Felixstowe Listening Service (FLS) was launched as a satellite service of Inspire Counselling & Training. During that time it has been a privilege and joy to be the team leader of the service and work with such a committed and enthusiastic team of volunteer counsellors, listeners and receptionists. The time has now come for me to step down and enjoy retirement. I am delighted to be handing over to Carolyne Hayter. Carolyne is an experienced counsellor who has been working with Inspire for some years and I know how excited she is to be taking FLS into the next stage of its journey. My personal thanks go to the FLS team - I'll miss you! - and the Inspire team in Ipswich and, of course, to all those who have supported the service in so many ways. Here's to the next six years and many years beyond. And, remember, if you or anyone you know would find it helpful to meet with a listener or counsellor, FLS is only a phone call or e-mail away. When it helps to talk, FLS is there to listen!

06/12/2017

Thank you, Ann McKay, for photographing our lovely tree, to be seen in all its beauty at the Salvation Army Christmas Tree Festival, on all this week.

05/12/2017

Our lovely Christmas tree disappeared from the last post and refuses to appear on this one so ... you'll have to visit the Salvation Army Christmas Tree Festival this week to see it for yourselves although we will keep trying to show it!

05/12/2017

Our tree - kindly and creatively produced by our friend May Nisbet - the Salvation Army Christmas Tree Festival all this week.. Call in and see it amongst its 49 friends and don't forget to vote for your favourite tree ... us!!

16/11/2017

Wonderful to have FLS prayed for by representatives of the local churches at last night's Churches Together in Felixstowe. As a Christian team, representing a number of local churches, we appreciate so much the support of the Christian community. Our prayer requests for 2018? That more people who are struggling with life difficulties will know that we we are there and that "when it helps to talk, we're here to listen". We also also ask for prayer for financial stability for the service; so many of our clients are on very low incomes and can't afford to pay the full cost of listening or counselling. It is only with the generous support of individuals, churches and other groups, that we will be able to continue to ensure that anyone who needs our help receives it. And, not least, we ask our friends to pray for our team of dedicated volunteers.

06/11/2017

Looking for a Christmas present with a difference, which won't break the budget? Meg Manly's book "Meanderings: memories of life in the 20's, 30's and beyond" is an entertaining as well as enlightening read. Life really was very different when she was growing up! Meg is donating the proceeds from the sale of her first book to FLS. "Meanderings" can be bought on Amazon at £5.99 or direct from us for £5.50 (and it's a signed copy). Postage is £1.25 extra. For a copy phone us on 07896 326459 or e-mail [email protected]. Your purchase helps us to ensure that anyone who needs listening or counselling receives the service.

02/11/2017

Another great inter-church quiz, with the proceeds going to FLS, to ensure that those of our clients who are on a low income can have access to listening and counselling services. Eleven of our local churches took part this year and the winning team - Team Felix - was from St Felix Church. For the first time we had a trophy for an individual, The Hadwen Cup, in memory of Phil Hadwen, who gave such tremendous support to the local charities. The cup was won by Dee Balshaw from Christchurch Crew. Our thanks to Gill Hadwen who was a marvellous quizmaster and to the Salvation Army for hosting the event, as well as to the hard-working and enthusiastic team of helpers. And next year's winners are .......?

13/10/2017

Meanderings: Memories of Life in the 20's, 30's and beyond

13/10/2017

Meg Manly, a local lady in her 90's, has just published "Meanderings": her memories of growing up in the 20's, 30's and life during the second World War. It is an amusing and affectionate trip down memory lane. Available on Amazon (link: http://amzn.eu/5oCscY0), Meg is donating all proceeds to FLS.

Meanderings: Memories of Life in the 20's, 30's and beyond

26/09/2017

Do join us for our service of celebration and thanksgiving at Ranelagh Road Christian Fellowship this Sunday (1st October) at 3pm as we look back over the last five and a half years of supporting people experiencing life difficulties and look ahead to the future. We have so much to be thankful for, including our move to the lovely new premises at Ranelagh Road.

05/07/2017

Yesterday was our first day in our new home and, yes, we do feel at home. New clients to welcome and our lovely team of receptionists there to welcome them - and to make a cuppa.

28/06/2017

After a wonderfully happy day yesterday as we celebrated moving into our new home at Ranelagh Road Christian Fellowship, some sadness on this our last day at Felixstowe Library. Over the last 5 and a half years this has been the base for FLS and we take with us very special memories of the time we have spent with many clients, seeking to come alongside them as they work their way through life concerns. We will miss the Library staff who have been so kind and supportive and Pauline and her team in Libra Coffee Shop (do visit, it's a great place!). Memories are precious, the future is exciting. And so, in the strength of our Lord, onward we go!