Monty'S Community Hub

MONTY’S WORD FOR THE DAY
- P - O - S - I - T - I - V - E -
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings over the last couple of weeks. So recently I’ve decided to limit the amount of time I spend watching/reading/listening to bad news and negativity. So now I only look at the news once a day. I try to only check Facebook a couple of times a day. And when I do come online, I try to find positive news stories – or ways to connect with o...thers, and give/receive encouragement – or ways to support friends who might need some help.
Anyway, we talked about this recently at Monty’s, and a few of us thought it might be a nice idea to encourage each other to stay positive in the midst of all this uncertainty. So we thought it would be good to share a daily “Thought for the Day” post each morning, helping us to get off to a good start.
Something to inspire us.
Something to encourage us.
Something P O S I T I V E first thing in the morning!
Jon is going to have a go at sharing some positive encouragements this week (get in touch if you’d like to help with coming up with some “thoughts for the day” too).
. . . .
So this is my first go. And we’re going to kick off with a challenge.
TODAY’S CHALLENGE:
1) Think of something positive this morning – maybe something you’re looking forward to today – maybe a kind word someone said to you recently – maybe a kind word you could say to someone else – maybe something completely different.
2) Close your eyes now and hold that “something positive” in mind for five minutes (or however long you can spare).
3) If you like praying, you might like to thank God for your “something positive” and maybe ask God’s help to stay as positive as possible today.
Amen.
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Our #communitypantry is full to bursting today - come and take your pick from our delicious sandwiches, ready meals, and even some chocolate 🍫! Why not take some for a neighbour as well? It's all F R E E! #community #feedbelliesnotbins

We absolutely loved having our #communitylunch together on Zoom last Thursday - let's beat the #lockdown isolation blues together! Join us again tomorrow from 12.30 - contact Anna for the link! #community

I've heard a few people wondering why some parks have been closed, or why they can't drive down to places like Weston Shore. here's the latest government advice on that:

C A L L I N G - A L L - P A R E N T S !
Monty's is hosting a Zoom chat for parents to share their worries, tips and thought about home learning during Covid-19.
We'd love you to join us!
... Using Zoom is super straight-forward - you don't have to sign up, and it's free. Download the app to your smartphone or PC and follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/969865847 or use the meeting ID: 969 865 847.
WED 1ST APRIL, 2.30 - 3.30.
See you there!
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SO:Linked have collated a database of support available to those in Southampton that need some advice or help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic: https://www.solinked.org.uk/community-lin ks-covid-19

***WE'RE STILL OPEN... WE'RE JUST DOING THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY!***
OUR REGULAR Monty’s sessions, groups and activities have temporarily stopped, to keep everyone safe during the Covid 19 crisis, and to make sure we are following government guidelines.
But we’re still here!
... MONTY’S has always existed to bring together people in our local community, to share help and advice, and to solve local challenges through the resources we have right here in this neighbourhood.
These things are MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER at the moment, so we’ll keep doing what we’ve always tried to do: building community, sharing life, and creating a flourishing neighbourhood together.
We’d love you to join us.
If you need help or support of any kind, or would like to help out, give us a call or drop us a message:
Anna: 07493 306046 Josh: 07411 517900
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F R E E F O O D !
We're passionate about putting would be 'waste' food to good use - and today is no different!
Come and take what you need from our free food table outside Monty's. There's a range of sandwiches, tinned food and noodles / crisps etc.
... Please remember to keep a 2m distance between you and other people.
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Morning everyone, please see below a Southampton helpline for people who are self-isolating please share with people who may not be in Facebook as well.
Obviously all activities physically at Monty's are suspended for the time being, but if you are in need of a chat or some social interaction then our volunteers are going to be hosting a zoom calls regularly instead if our different sessions. Please get in touch if you want to join in for a chat. We are also planning various ...other ways we can support the community during this time, if you have any ideas please let us know.
If you want to help deliver groceries to self-isolating members of the community, please join this group https://www.facebook.com/groups/southampt on.covid19.support/ and this watsapp group for
Sholing ward: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JuMhqt5VGMIAgnw CbHAQWb Bitterne Ward: (which Montague avenue area is actually in) https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtEdepPR7qv7uAQ Hx6hADv

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Today, church leaders from across the country have called for a NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER & ACTION, at this time when so many people are suffering from fear and uncertainty. Suggestions for how to join in include:
**LIGHTING A CANDLE. We are invited to light a candle in the windows of our homes at 7pm tonight as a visible symbol of light, life and love.
**PRAYING FOR HOPE & HEALING. We are invited to pray especially for the vulnerable, elderly, our leaders, those working in ed...ucation, health and social care, and those who don't know if they will be able to work at all.
**FINDING KINDNESS. There are so many stories circulating of the wonderful acts of kindness happening across the world. We are invited to join in, and to take this opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for our local foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. (We may not be able to touch physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.)
If you have any other good ideas, share them below...
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A helpful reminder from Mister Rogers...
When I was a child and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

***MONTY'S CONTINUES TO BE ALIVE AND ACTIVE, BUT FOR NOW OUR BUILDING HAS TO CLOSE***
Please note that the community hub is closed at the moment, in line with government's latest advice regarding Coronavirus/Covid-19. In the meanwhile, MONTY'S 3 TOP TIPS are:
(1) STAY CALM
... (2) BE KIND - do you know anyone who might need support or someone to talk to during this time? why not reach out to an elderly or isolated neighbour?

xx
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