Bishop Paul's encounters with people and projects across the Diocese in April/May ...

Bishop visited Jericho Road Project

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler, visited The Jericho Road Project, a joint church initiative supporting those involved in the sex industry in Nottingham.  The project has been running for over ten years and is making a difference in women's lives – showing love and helping them to exit prostitution.

Around 60 volunteers and 5 staff are involved in the Jericho Road Project. Each week clients are helped through weekly outreaches, a daytime Life Centre, befriending, prison visiting and resettlement.

Each week volunteer teams take to the streets in the project's minibus, meeting women in the red light district.  They provide a listening ear along with a hot drink and food.  Women are welcome to visit the Jericho Road Life Centre base three afternoons a week where they are provided with a loving environment as well as drinks and snacks.  Clothes are also available and clients are able to access information, advocacy and referrals.  The Life Centre also enables women to get involved in activities, learn new skills and grow in confidence.  Project staff and volunteers work with women whilst in prison, visiting them and assisting with resettlement following release.

Bishop promoted real Easter Egg at Hucknall school

Hucknall school pupils helped the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham to promote the Real Easter Egg – the first Fairtrade charity egg to mention Jesus on the box.

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler gave his backing to the egg and hoped people will support the new product, which is already a UK top seller. He talked about the egg with pupils in Hucknall during a day spent in three different church schools.

After its launch last year, church schools, churches and individuals were invited to place a direct mail order for The Real Easter Egg. Over 70,000 eggs were ordered in the first few weeks overwhelming the manufacturer who had to increase production in an attempt to meet demand. Manchester based Meaningful Chocolate Company, who developed the egg and ran the campaign, believe it is the UK’s biggest selling direct mail order Easter egg.