About the Project
The Project began as a partnership between Church Army and Cranogwen but at the end of 2003 Church Army took sole responsibility.
Funding comes mainly from the Supporting People Revenue Grant but we also receive voluntary contributions from churches and individuals.
The Project has a number of paid staff and volunteers and together we seek to give people the support they need to live independently.
The Team
The Project began as a partnership between Church Army and Cranogwen but at the end of 2003 Church Army took sole responsibility.
Funding comes mainly from the Supporting People Revenue Grant but we also receive voluntary contributions from churches and individuals.
The Project has a number of paid staff and volunteers and together we seek to give people the support they need to live independently.
The Team
History
Ralph Upton is a Church Army Officer who worked at HMP Liverpool for 6 years after commissioning. Then for 4 years as the Homelessness Officer for Liverpool Diocese.
In October 2002 Ralph, together with his wife, Carol, moved to the Rhondda Valley to set up the Valley of Hope project supporting ex-offenders and other vulnerable people in settling back into the community. He is the Project Manager and holds an NVQ4 in management.
Ralph has preached and taught widely in the UK and is also involved in developing prison ministry in Ethiopia and is a director of Greenstones Christian Trust.
Ralph Upton is a Church Army Officer who worked at HMP Liverpool for 6 years after commissioning. Then for 4 years as the Homelessness Officer for Liverpool Diocese.
In October 2002 Ralph, together with his wife, Carol, moved to the Rhondda Valley to set up the Valley of Hope project supporting ex-
Ralph has preached and taught widely in the UK and is also involved in developing prison ministry in Ethiopia and is a director of Greenstones Christian Trust.
Two lives back on track
Kevin had his son taken from him three years ago. This led to depression and was made worse by being on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour towards him within the community. He was moved to new accommodation in the hope of a safer environment. Kevin has a history of self harm and substance misuse problems. He is now on a Methadone script and works closely with the Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT). Since being on the Project Kevin’s benefits are in place and day to day budgeting problems have been addressed. Kevin has reached a stage where he can now cope with day to day life and feels safer knowing that if problems do arise Project staff are on hand to assist.
Read Scott’s account of how his life has been turned around by Valley of Hope
Kevin had his son taken from him three years ago. This led to depression and was made worse by being on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour towards him within the community. He was moved to new accommodation in the hope of a safer environment. Kevin has a history of self harm and substance misuse problems. He is now on a Methadone script and works closely with the Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT). Since being on the Project Kevin’s benefits are in place and day to day budgeting problems have been addressed. Kevin has reached a stage where he can now cope with day to day life and feels safer knowing that if problems do arise Project staff are on hand to assist.
Read Scott’s account of how his life has been turned around by Valley of Hope