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British Director, Tony Widmer, at a centre for children suffering from trauma. |
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British Director, Tony Widmer, at a centre for children suffering from trauma. |
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has suffered severe economic hardships with the accompanying problems that poverty always generates: rising crime, drug and alcohol abuse and the neglect of children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups. While Russia's new democratic Governments struggle to overcome these massive domestic problems, aid in restructuring the welfare system has been sought from the West. The Russian European Trust is one of a number of charities which is carrying out aid projects in the region and which has received funding from the European Commission, The Department for International Development, the Community Fund (formerly National Lottery)and the Ministry of Defence to design and execute projects at both grass roots and administrative levels.
One example of the high level of success that has been achieved by the Trust with a relatively small outlay is the Bishkek project. The Russian European Trust assisted in the formation of the local Social Workers Association which would have a permanent commitment to Bishkek. The two organisations proceeded to develop a Community Centre to offer elderly people basic facilities for meeting, receiving help and support and having refreshments, including one main meal a day. The Centre, which relies heavily on volunteers, provides counselling services, home help and 'meals on wheels'. Clients can also choose to be involved in a number of activities within the Occupational Therapy range which not only contributes to a personal sense of purpose and well being, but which also raises money for the Centre to buy equipment. This Centre was so successful that over the next two years it was replicated throughout Kyrgystan. This type of professional/voluntary collaboration was previously unknown in Kyrgyzstan (as it is in many other parts of the former Soviet Union) and is a model which continues to provide inspiration to other regions.
The Russian European Trust has subsequently been involved in organising training programmes in Occupational Therapy to social workers in Russia. (See Current Projects page). As the students involved in these projects themselves become practitioners and teachers, the principles of this extremely beneficial and healing discipline are being gradually disseminated throughout the country.
The Russian European Trust continues to initiate projects that have an excellent track record of success. Like many poorer economies, the situation in Russia is such that a few pounds raised here can do an enormous amount of good over there.
| If you would like to make a donation yourself please send a cheque made payable to: the Russian European Trust and clearly marked on the back with the word 'Donation'. Donations should be sent to our offices at: South Bank Technopark, 90 London Rd, London SE1 6LN. |
We are a small charity and do not send out mailshots, however if you would like to keep up to date with our progress please look in on our Current Projects page.
Current and future projects
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The people behind the charity click here
Links page: Organisations working with the RET click here
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