The West Pennine Branch started life as the Littleborough Branch in 1995, shortly after the CCP(UK) was formed in Manchester. It had close ties with Littleborough Peace Group who continue to give us close support.
The branch consists of about 50 people at any one time, holding meetings about every six weeks, interspersed with regular social and fundraising events.
Our aims are to give recuperative holidays to Belarusian children in remission from cancer and other ailments caused by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. We also collect aid to send to Belarus and support the charity's social and health work in Belarus by fundraising and supporting people who volunteer their skills and time to train or advise professionals in Belarus or help in a sanatorium during the summer.
We usually meet in the Parish Room at St.Andrew's Church, Arm Road, Dearnley, being central for the area, on Monday evenings but the venue and times change from time to time to suit circumstances. After a cuppa at 7.30pm the business takes about an hour and we're usually out for 9pm. Discussions are informal and usually involve a report from the treasurer, fundraising, holiday planning, news update from CCP(UK), and aid collection issues. An important function of the meeting is to get to know new members, who must attend at least 3 meetings during the year.
New members are always welcome, either as host families or just to help out.
There's no subscription fee
Holidays
We offer a month's holiday for children in remission from cancer and occasionally respite care for siblings. They normally stay with a family for two weeks and then move to another family. They will normally be between 9 and 16 years old. An interpreter is permanently on call though some children speak some English.
The holidays rely on Host families. Some are retired couples with a room and two beds to spare and some are families with young children. All host families will be vetted by the group and by the Criminal Records Bureau.
A full programme of group events is planned, with a visit (half or whole day) about every three days so that the children can socialise and not feel isolated. Most events are compulsory and it's usually compulsory for parents to get wet at some stage!
In an emergency or when a break might be needed there will be support families who will take children for a day or two. It is important for host families to have support from the group to discuss and tackle potential problems early.
All children have a medical check-up before they set off to ensure they are well enough to travel and some will have medication with them. We have sometimes arranged for children to have some treatment while they have been with us and many host families arrange with their dentist for the children to have a check up. Since 2003 a Belarusian doctor has been travelling with the group to help with any medical problems that might arise.
"I think the most important thing about these holidays is the mutual understanding (being nice to each other), but not for any reward, just because your heart longs for it."
Artur, age 12.
"This holiday for me is a good chance to improve health, meet new people, learn English. I have come here for the sixth time already, but I'm still interested in excursions we have, and people I met when being here first time."
Sasha, age 15.
"I feel much better when staying here. I feel 100% good here. Also the trips we have are always interesting. I enjoy meeting new people. And overall it's a good chance to see the world."
Vadim, age 15.
Humanitarian Aid
Four or five convoys a year go from Selby to Belarus, taking a fortnight for the round trip. HGV drivers are always welcome and in West Pennines we need storage space for the goods we collect. We need:
paper, pencils, pens, glue,fabric,card,thread,wool, paint, brushes etc.
Building materials:
tools, nails, screws, paint, brushes, wallpaper, paste, etc.
Medical (goods must have 3 years use by date left and be less than 5 years old.
Multi-vitamins, latex gloves, dressings, syringes, needles etc.
Chernobyl Childrens Project (UK) is a registered charity No. 1059832, and a non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registration No. 3220045 (England & Wales). Registered office: Kinder House, Fitzalan Street, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 7DL.
