New Christian charity opens its doors in Tain

A new housing support charity has opened for business this week with an official launch on Tuesday, 14 September. The aim of the CCAST Highland venture is to assist those in difficulty to rebuild their lives.

CCAST Highland a new and exciting housing support charity is now officially “Open for Business” according to its founder and Project Director Mrs Mandy Nutt. CCAST is an acronym for Christian Community Action Support Team and the venture has been about a year in the pipeline.
The project is now registered with the Care Commission and about to open its very own premises in Tain.
The official launch took place at the Tain Royal Hotel today (Tuesday 14th September) where over thirty five guests turned up for a presentation followed by speeches and the cutting of the cake kindly donated by the Sunflower restaurant.

Mr James Campbell the CEO of the Blythswood Charity who was the guest speaker for the launch event and he reflected on just how much had been achieved by the voluntary Board in such a short time. Mr. Roderick Mackenzie from the Christian Focus Publishing was also present to officially launch the ’Friends of CCAST Highland’ campaign to those in attendance.

Mr Graham Nutt the Chairman of the Board stated: “The charity relies on donations and grants from trusts and we have been greatly encouraged by those who have contributed to the work so far this includes the Scottish Community Foundation, FISCA, First Port Blythswood and Scotland Unlimited all who have supported the setting up of this worthwhile Charity. Graham is also grateful to the many smaller donations from private sponsors."

CCAST offers short-term support in areas such as:

Potential Homelessness

Drug & Alcohol dependancy

Long-term unemployment

Benefit advice

Advocacy

Life Skills

Budgeting

Self Esteem

Motivation & Befriending

Mrs. Mandy Nutt, added that the partners are a key factor as they refer the clients/ service users which CCAST works with: this includes the statutory agencies like Social Services and the Police and the voluntary sector like the local churches of Tain and surrounding areas.

She advised: “The most important people are those who are referred to us. We are helping to keep many of them in their own homes and start to rebuild their lives. We are living in difficult times which will be getting worse with all the proposed cuts and people are going to need more and more help with the basics like keeping a roof over their head.”

CCAST Highland comprises a team of professionals, working throughout the Easter Ross and Sutherland areas offering a housing support service. Those involved are committed to enabling and equipping individuals to live independent lives within their own communities

Anyone interested in finding out more about CCAST-Highland is invited to visit the CCAST-Highland website.
Donations and further enquiries can also be made to:
CCAST Highland 27,lamington street, Tain, Ross-shire. IV19 1AA.

CCAST/Christians Together, 16/09/2010