Talitha Koum launches detailed plans for Therapeutic Centre 
A large number of people were present at Hope church in Ipswich for Talitha Koum’s Summer Event, when the vision for a work among women addicted to drugs or alcohol in the area was shared, and a new booklet about the work launched.
Talitha’s CEO, John Cobbold, said “Assuming we receive the necessary Planning Permission, our aim is to have facilities in place by the autumn of this year to enable us to receive the first six women students.”
“There are still women in Ipswich who are caught up in a life of drug and alcohol addiction, very often leading to prostitution, and also some who are homeless on the streets. Our aim is to help these people free themselves from their addictions and reach their full potential in life.”
Part of the purpose of the evening was to launch a new booklet giving details of the work done so far, together with future plans. This superbly produced book showed how the project is planned to develop on a farm north of Ipswich, with student accommodation, community and resources buildings, a working smallholding and an arts and skills centre.
 The plans have been developed following research into similar Therapeutic Centres elsewhere in the country, and with support from experts in the field. Talitha Koum is also working in partnership with several other local organisations, including Inspire Counselling, Perspectives, Heart for Ipswich and the Suffolk Foundation.
The evening also included messages from Release Ipswich’s chairman, Peter Matthews, and trustees Liz Beaton, Michael Clark and Jonathan Barnes. Music was provided by Abi Hutton and a local band.
Fund Raising concert
Jim Manning of Ipswich Borough Council announced that the local 4 Seasons Theatre Company will be staging a Summer Variety Show at the New Wolsey Theatre on Saturday July 3 rd 2010, with all proceeds going to Talitha Koum. Jim said “This will be a Summer Variety production of top quality singing, dancing and musicianship”. For more details of this, click here.
Tickets at £12 (concessions £11) can be obtained from the Wolsey box office 01473 295900
New Video
A new video about the work of Talitha Koum was shown at the event. Click here to see it. Friends of Talitha Koum
The second main aim of the evening was to launch “Friends of Talitha Koum”.
John Cobbold explained “We need many people to get involved to enable this project to come to life. We need people to pray, to volunteer for practical tasks in a variety of ways, and to give on a regular basis. We are looking for 500 people to undertake to give £10 a month to help finance the ongoing work”.
“Our challenge from Isaiah 21 is to seek and promote Redemption, Restoration and Reconciliation”.
Copies of the Friends of Talitha Koum application form and the descriptive booklet can be obtained from:
The Talitha Koum Office
Trinity Bungalow
20 Back Hamlet
Ipswich IP3 8AJ
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