The Story of "Caring Hands".

The History of Caring Hands

In July 2001 Caring Hands came into being.

Let us see why, where and when the mission
started. Mary received a vision in 2000 to go to the working girls of Middlesborough and at the beginning of 2001 while helping another charity which took food and clothing twice a week to the homeless and sometimes the working girls. Mary started going to another site, where the girls worked, with a flask of coffee and biscuits to see if there was a need.

Mary and Keith soon realised that the problem was a lot bigger than they had first thought and in July 2001 the project was given the name of ‘Caring Hands’.

Soon after a caravan was purchased thanks to the help of the people of Harvest Christian Centre (who at that time were the only people who knew of Caring Hands. This support has since expanded). Having the caravan meant Mary and Keith could go over to Middlesborough two evenings a week in faith and the girls appeared. They were given sandwiches and a cup of tea at first, but then other needs were noticed and items such as tights, gloves, umbrellas, toiletries etc. were given.

As time went on and due to Keith’s health and the weather the caravan was no longer a viable proposition. A minibus was purchased {thanks to the generosity of the supporters of ‘Caring Hands’} and is still in use today.

Over the 4 years that ‘Caring Hands’ has been in existence a number of girls have expressed a desire to get out of their situation and come off the streets. Several girls have done this
thanks to a charity in Wales and a lot of prayer and hard work particularly from Mary and Keith and family.

Some of the girls have been found accommodation and given the basic needs of furniture and a start-up pack for a single person. This once again is thanks to the generosity of the
supporters of ‘Caring Hands’.

Over the years the car and caravan and the minibus have had to be supplied with fuel etc. They have also had to be maintained {which Keith has done a lot of himself} but major repairs are starting to be needed, and these are costly. The minibus also has to be taxed and tested each year.

Food has to be purchased each week for sandwiches etc. When there has been a need for it, a food parcel has been made up and given to the girls. Small gift parcels are given out at Christmas; and for some this is the only gift that they will receive. The girls have been supported in many ways by Mary and Keith over the years. This takes time and energy and money .

Mary and Keith would themselves be the first to say that God has kept them going over the years. They have also been supported also by the prayers and help of their supporters.

This work needs continual support as it is very hard on the mind and spirit of the workers. It is also costly as it is most of the time a one-to-one work and this takes a lot of time, effort and often money. For example the girls have to be transported to Wales.

One of the success stories is Niki. She has been to rehabilitation and now helps Mary and Keith.

God bless you - The Team at ‘Caring Hands’.