Bishop invites support for Christian charity

Bishop Nigel Stock is leading a Cathedral service to which hundreds of people have been invited to showcase the work of Talitha Koum, a charity striving to help women struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.

The Bishop described the Christian charity’s work as invaluable and urged people to come to the service to see how they can become involved in supporting its work.

Talitha Koum is a Christian therapeutic community currently being built on a farm just north of Ipswich that will provide a lasting legacy for those women whose lives were tragically cut short by the Ipswich serial murders, between October and December 2006.

Talitha Koum’s journey from vision to reality will be showcased during a special service to which everyone is welcome at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, from 7.30pm on Saturday 4th February.

As Patron of Talitha Koum, Bishop Nigel will lead worship during the special service.

The evening will include worship and a special multi-media presentation via television screens showcasing the story of Talitha Koum. It will show how people can become involved, giving their time as volunteers or by making a donation.

Talitha Koum has already won widespread support within Suffolk, including from the Somebody’s Daughter charity, a fund set up by the Evening Star in response to the killings which has already donated £20,000. Construction firm ISG Jackson have donated materials and given labour for free to lay the foundations on site.

Bishop Nigel said: “Talitha Koum is a project that should attract anyone with a compassionate heart and a belief in the possibilities of restoration, because it is about doing something for vulnerable women struggling with alcohol and drug addictions. Talitha Koum is about creating the environment for new opportunities, providing a route out of addiction."

“I would invite anyone interested in supporting this Christian charity's invaluable project to come to the service to see how they can become involved in supporting the work.”

John Cobbold, Chief Executive of the charity Talitha Koum, said: “After the tragic murders, which are now five years ago, people felt they wanted to do something, but were unsure what. Talitha Koum knows what to do. There are opportunities for people to help and we will be showing how you can help during the service. We are seeking more volunteers, individuals, organisations, or churches to help give time or to donate funds to ensure Talitha Koum becomes a lasting legacy of love for women caught in cycles of addiction, and abuse."

“We hope several hundred people will attend the service and see how they can help us. We see Talitha Koum as a family and we believe that family values and the Christian faith will help the women to turn their lives around.”

Workers on site have already moved 1,000 tonnes of earth and laid 50 cubic metres of concrete for the foundations of the accommodation block within the development, in readiness for the brickwork which was started by the Bishop at the end of last year.

The charity believes TK will be a place of safety and beauty, a fitting place to make changes. The students’, as they are known, will grow produce, selling the surplus as a revenue stream. They will be taught new life skills, and find motivation and expert help in learning to beat their addictions and make the most of their lives by getting back into the community.

Anyone who would like more details about the service, or would like to help Talitha Koum, can call the charity on 07935 058685, email admin@talithakoum.org.uk  or write to Talitha Koum c/o John Cobbold, Chief Executive, Talitha Koum Office, The Orwell Centre, 114 Fore Street, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP3 8AS. www.talithakoum.org.uk