The Salvation Army serving free meals from the SAES truck. Image: The Salvation Army Northern Rivers The Salvation Army recently provided more than 300 free meals to members of the Lismore community in northern NSW at an event marking three years since the 2022 floods. The Stronger Together community gathering on 1 March, organised by Resilient Lismore, brought community members together for a picnic, live music and children’s activities. The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) and the Northern Rivers Corps worked together to serve free curry and nachos at the event. Five people died and more than 10,000 were left homeless when floods inundated the Northern Rivers region in February and March of 2022. The Salvation Army Northern Rivers Corps, led by Captains Philip and Donna Sutcliffe, and Salvation Army Emergency Services provided assistance at the time of the flooding, with meals and refreshments for evacuees and first responders.

Major Phil Layton signs copies of Gospel Conversations at IHQ on Thursday 27 February 2025 “How do we know that God exists?” “What about suffering and evil?” “Who made God?” “Are all religions true and equal paths to God?” “Did Jesus rise from the dead?” “Can the Bible be trusted?” These are just some of the questions addressed in Major Phil Layton’s new book, Gospel Conversations: Building Confidence Through Christian Apologetics, with an emphasis on helping overcome the fear of sharing Jesus with others. The Salvation Army International launched this book during family prayers, led by Phil, at International Headquarters (IHQ) in London on Thursday 27 February 2025. During his introductory remarks, International Secretary for Communications Major Peter McGuigan, an Australian officer, acknowledged the author’s work and the fact that it was his fourth book. “Writing a book is a journey that takes many twists and turns,” he said. “So, congratulations on having arrived at this point.” Peter also commended the IHQ editorial team for their work alongside the author. General Lyndon Buckingham (left) wrote the foreword to Major Phil Layton's book Gospel Conversations . Phil spoke of the urgent need to share the love and the message of Jesus with others in a world where people often think about the big questions of life but rarely talk about them. He gave a personal example in which he had been challenged by the Spirit of God after not sharing Jesus with a person during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his foreword to  Gospel Conversations , The Salvation Army’s international leader General Lyndon Buckingham writes: “This book by Phil Layton directly addresses those fears which may deter us from sharing the gospel and builds confidence through providing easy-to-remember logical arguments to some of the most common questions which Christians face today.” More about the book The book guides readers in navigating doubts and sharing their faith with empathy and respect.  Gospel Conversations  will prove an essential companion for personal faith development and equip all Christians to share Jesus. Whether looking to deepen your own understanding or feel more empowered to share your beliefs, this book is an invaluable resource for you, your family or friends.  Paperback  ISBN 9781912981717 Available from your local Salvation Army trade department and  Amazon . eBook  ISBN 9781912981724 ·       Kobo edition ·       Kindle edition To watch Major Phil Layton introduce Gospel Conversations, click on the video below:

Research shows that mindfulness reduces stress, helps anxiety, increases focus and improves memory . Photo: Getty Images. We have a lot to think about each day. Research indicates that we have around 20,000 thoughts daily, and not all of these are helpful, happy, or positive. Is your mind filled with anxiety, anger or frustration? Do negative thoughts about the past or fears for the future continually swirl around your mind? One way to bring calm to your cluttered thoughts is to practise mindfulness. Mindfulness is currently a bit of a buzzword, but what is it, and how do you practise it? Salvos Online journalist FAYE MICHELSON spoke to Major Jo-anne Brown about mindfulness and its benefits for mental health.   What is mindfulness? Jo-anne Brown: When we are being mindful, our focus is on simply being present to what’s happening in this moment, without any judgment or inter­pretation. That means letting go of all distractions and thoughts that crowd our mind. Mindfulness is slowing our thinking down, kind of like giving our minds a rest and allowing all our senses to notice and embrace the present moment.   What are the core features of mindfulness? JB: These include slowing down, not dwelling on the past, or worrying about and planning for the future. Mindfulness is noticing what’s around you, finding beauty in all things, finding God in all things. It’s about letting go, accepting ourselves and our circumstances in the moment and not judging, fixing or trying to change things or ourselves.   How does mindfulness help improve mental health? JB: There’s a lot of research on how mindfulness reduces stress, helps anxiety, increases focus and improves memory. Choosing to be present to what is happening now stops the mind focusing on past mistakes and hurts or ruminating about what might happen in the future. Being mindful keeps us in this moment – it slows down our restless thinking and gives us a pause. Mindfulness also soothes our nervous system, reduces cortisol and increases endorphins (the feel-good hormones) so we can be calm, creative and connected more deeply to ourselves and others. Can you practise mindfulness anywhere? JB: Yes! When we feel uptight or stressed, even taking just a few minutes to be mindful can make a difference. Slow down and pause. It’s good to take mini breaks through the day to simply be in the moment. It can be helpful to connect being mindful to something you already do regularly, for example, when you put the kettle on to make a cuppa, go for your daily walk, eat a meal or pat a pet. I often take a few moments between tasks to simply be in the moment, stroll in the garden and feel the sunshine on my face. Photo: Ian Stauffer on Unsplash. What are some ways to practise mindfulness? JB: I find a comfortable spot to sit, lie down, stand, or even do this while walk­ing. I like to close my eyes (unless I’m walking!) so I’m not being distracted by everything around me. Breathing is an important part of this practice for me. When we focus on our breath, the mind can’t keep spinning in a multitude of directions. I begin by taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on a long exhale, allowing my full diaphragm to breathe in and out. It is most helpful if the exhale is longer than the inhale. Sometimes I will focus on what I see (nature, my cat, the smoke from a candle or incense), or the sensations I feel on my skin (sunshine, shade, breeze). You can also focus on what you can smell, hear or taste – try allowing a small piece of chocolate to slowly melt in your mouth and focus on how that feels. Focus on tactile sensations – how does the material under my hands feel, or the carpet/ground/grass beneath my feet? Body relaxation techniques, journalling, guided meditation, mindful walking, mindful eating are all ways to practise mindfulness.   Does this ability to be fully pres­ent in the moment take practice? JB: It’s not something most of us are taught how to do, because we ‘need’ to be achieving and ‘doing’ something useful. As a society, I believe we are largely unaware that “doing nothing” is not nothing. When we slow down our thinking and reacting, we are allowing a lot more to happen beneath the surface, such as healing and soothing. Try starting with focusing on your breathing for two minutes in silence. As you become comfortable with what feels like ‘doing nothing’, increase the time. It’s also important to recognise that our brains were made to think, so it’s okay to be distracted, but don’t hold onto the thoughts that come. Let them drift and return your attention to the sensations you are experiencing in the moment.   How does mindfulness fit into our spiritual life? JB: For me, it’s my regular practice of silent prayer and reflection that make it possible for me to live a life of mindful­ness, to find moments to be still, to notice where and how God is present and at work, to acknowledge his presence and to respond prayerfully and gratefully. Being mindful is also very connected to the times God says, “Don’t be anxious, don’t be afraid” – it’s mindfulness (and prayer) that takes us to that place of being with­out fear, the place of peace.

Georges River Councillor Christina Jamieson officially opens the Narwee CCC community garden. BY LAUREN MARTIN   A community garden at The Salvation Army in Narwee, in Sydney’s south, is bringing local residents together in a meaningful way to connect with nature and each other.   In December last year, as part of its Christmas party celebrations, Georges River Councillor Christina Jamieson officially opened the Narwee CCC (Coffee, Chat, Connect) community garden.   The garden project had been months in the making. Materials were purchased through a local government grant, and volunteers spent many hours creating the space at the back of the former Narwee Corps hall, which is shaded by a beautiful gum tree. Captain David Delany says God’s spirit of growth and transformation can be felt at Narwee CCC. Narwee CCC is a Salvation Army Community of Hope, an outreach of the nearby Hurstville Corps, that began in 2024 under the leadership of Captain David Delany, a Hurstville team member. Situated in the heart of a public housing estate, the ministry is reviving the former Narwee Corps, which closed its Sunday services many years ago. Residents gather on Wednesdays and Thursdays to connect over a cuppa, play games, enjoy a sausage sizzle and purchase low-cost groceries and fresh produce through a small Salvos pantry in the centre. Now, they can also access fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the community garden.   “We wanted to create a community garden at Narwee CCC because we saw it as an opportunity to bring people together meaningfully,” says David. “The idea was to have a space where people could connect – with nature and each other. It’s about more than just gardening; it’s about fostering relationships, building community resilience, and addressing practical needs like access to fresh produce.”   There are more than just vegetables and herbs growing at Narwee CCC. The Holy Spirit is growing his church in this place, raising up local leaders and blowing fresh hope into an area where many residents feel forgotten. The Narwee CCC community is run by a dedicated group of local volunteers, including Vinn (right), who cooks the barbeque every week. “For me, the garden symbolises growth,” says David. “Not just of plants but of the bonds we share as a community. It's a place where people can share experiences, support one another, and feel like they're part of something bigger.” “For many, it’s a peaceful spot to recharge and find a sense of calm in the middle of busy lives.” Every volunteer role at Narwee CCC is filled by members of the local community, who are invested in and passionate about having the old corps back open as a space where they can connect and make new friends in a safe, supported environment. From cooking the barbeque to serving cups of tea to tending to the garden, these emerging local leaders are on a beautiful discipleship journey as they learn about God and The Salvation Army. Georges River Councillor Christina Jamieson planting a vegetable at the official opening of the Narwee CCC community garden. David says those who gather on a Wednesday or Thursday will often break into praise or prayer in response to a community member’s needs or news. A formal Bible study and a ‘Boost’ craft and chat group have started, focusing on proven, positive ways to improve wellbeing.   “Looking ahead, I’d love for the garden to become an educational hub where we can host workshops on gardening, composting, sustainable living and healthy eating,” says David. “I want it to be a space where we can share knowledge, learn from each other, and grow together in every sense of the word. But beyond the practical side, the garden is also a space for people to gather, relax, and reflect. For many, it’s a peaceful spot to recharge and find a sense of calm in the middle of busy lives.” Hurstville Corps soldiers Mike Salomo and Doug spent many hours creating the Narwee CCC Community Garden.

To view the Appointment Bulletin released on Monday 3 March, click here

And the Israelites did cry out to the Lord, and he did heareth unto them and sent an angel to Gideon, son of Joash the Abiezrite. And the angel did say, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior, and will strengthen you and lead you to victory against the Midianites in his powerful name.”   However, Gideon did declare, “Pardon, my Lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”   And the Lord himself did speak unto Gideon, “I will be with you. Fear not, my son.”   Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised: look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.”    And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew – a bowlful of water.   Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night, God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.   And Gideon said to God, “I know thou art full of grace and have already shown great forbearance with your child, but how about we try one with half the fleece wet and the other half dry?’   And the next morning, it was so; half the fleece was wet with dew while the other half remained dry.   Gideon did pace up and down and rubbed his chin briefly before looking skyward and saying: “How about the fleece be red as a sunset and the ground around it be covered in grapes?”   And the next morning, it was so; the red fleece was found resting on a multitude of grapes.   Gideon did winketh heavenward and uttered: “Howzabout the fleece is stripey, sort of like a demented zebra, and the ground is covered in grasshoppers with little sticks doing the limbo?”   And the next morning, it was so; a stripey fleece and amusing hopping creatures with tiny sticks were seen around it.   Gideon did rubbeth his hands together and licketh his lips and say: “What say we have a fleece made of gold, sitting on a sea of rubies and fine jewels?”   And the next morning, the Lord did say: “Abimilek, son of Jerub-Baal, on the sudden passing of Gideon, whilst thou lead the Israelites against the Midianites in my name?”   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

A group of Salvation Army ministry leaders has met in south-west Sydney every Friday for the past two years to pray, listen and seek God’s heart. “Often we as The Salvation Army get so caught up in doing, and we get very busy in that place.” BY LAUREN MARTIN   Most paid Salvation Army ministry leaders would admit that it is a real struggle to carve out significant time for prayer, contemplation and listening to God. But nine officers and faith leaders in south-west Sydney block out between two and four hours every Friday to come together to pray and hear from God, regardless of what is going on.   Seated in a makeshift circle in the Liverpool Corps hall are members of the South West Sydney Area Leadership team, along with the Corps Officers from Maroubra, located in nearby Sydney’s east. There’s no fanfare or strict structure, just a group of people who clearly know each other well. The joy of being together is palpable.   Rachel Gorringe, Ministry Assistant at Macquarie Fields Mission, shares about a recent youth camp at which many young people made first-time commitments or wanted ‘fresh fire’ from the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the room celebrates, and prayers of praise naturally begin to flow.   In the room are Major Lynden Spicer from South-West Sydney Salvos, Major Darren Kingston and Rachel Gorringe from Macquarie Fields Mission, Joel and Kianna Spicer from Liverpool Corps, Auxiliary-Lieutenants Katharine and Russell Brown from Fairfield Corps and Captain Jo and Lieutenant Keven Williams from Maroubra Corps.   Joel Spicer, Major Darren Kingston and Rachel Gorringe seek the heart of God during a recent south-west Sydney prayer-cell meeting. Time seems to slow, and nothing else seems to matter as everyone enters in fluid prayer, prophecy and discernment.   “There’s not a Friday that’s gone by where we haven’t heard a bunch of stuff from God,” says Joel Spicer. “Some of it is not ‘instructional’; some of it is just showering us in love or giving us encouragement, or answer to prayer, or direction. When we receive from the Father, our ‘doing’ becomes easier and a lot more purposeful.”   Joel mentions that taking time out and intentionally saying ‘no’ to other ministry opportunities for those hours every Friday has significantly impacted the perceived workload demands of everyone who has gathered.   “Often, we in The Salvation Army get caught up in the ‘doing’ and we get very busy in that space. We have found that the ‘doing’ becomes a lot easier when we set aside time for regular, communal prayer and waiting on God. It has become easier and more satisfying! You are hearing God, interwoven in the ‘doing’. Major Lynden Spicer prays during the south-west Sydney prayer cell. “Seeking God doesn’t mean you have to stop and close off all the ‘doing’; it means you can receive more instruction from the Holy Spirit and revelation from the Holy Spirit as you go along.”   For those involved in Salvation Army ministry who look at their bulging calendars each week and can’t comprehend how they might fit in a few hours of focused prayer into the busyness, Joel’s encouragement is to take a step of faith, block out some time, and give it a go: “I really feel that it [meeting to pray for two hours every Friday] has enhanced what we do. I know that sometimes you look at something, and it doesn’t make sense in the ‘practical’ or ‘physical’. But in the ‘spiritual’, it makes perfect sense.”   Darren Kingston, a fellow participant from the south-west Sydney prayer cell, agrees.   “This has allowed us to stay in tune with God and his ways. You could be doing all different things, but you might be off track, and you might not be allowing God to speak to you … I find it makes ministry easier.”   And it’s not just their own ministries that God has been speaking to the prayer cell about – prophecies and words of encouragement for The Salvation Army as a whole have also been received.   An Army on its knees In 2024, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas exhorted The Salvation Army in Australia to be ‘an Army on our knees’, and these Salvos have responded to the call.   Joel says about a year ago, the group began to hear God saying, “This is not just for south-west Sydney; this is for everyone”. As a result, the prayer cell began to encourage and invite various Salvationists and people from other denominations to visit the group and experience the process and how the Holy Spirit moves.   Towards the end of last year, then NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Kim Haworth spoke with Joel about ways to encourage other Salvation Army mission leaders to set aside time for prayer in a similar manner.   Auxiliary-Lieutenants Katharine and Russell Brown from Fairfield Corps and Lieutenant Keven Williams from Maroubra Corps are part of the south-west Sydney prayer cell that’s been meeting every Friday for the past five years. The division had spent time hearing from Pastor Tania Harris, author of The Church Who Hears God’s Voice , and Kim’s heart was for each missional expression to be setting aside time to pray, listen and discern God’s will for the future of our Army. When she asked Joel to lead a prayer-cell initiative, it aligned with what God had already been revealing to the group.   “I wanted it to happen organically,” he said. “Not be another program that was forced upon people. God showed me a few people that I approached and invited them into our Friday space to see how it works and then support them as they look into what it might look like in their area.”   Joel says that making communal prayer and listening a priority five years ago has been the best ministry decision he’s ever made. He’s encouraging others to do the same.   To find out more about the South-West Sydney prayer cell or get support about creating a prayer cell in your area, contact Joel Spicer: joel.spicer@salvationarmy.org.au

Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas launches Week 1 of Self Denial 2025 - God’s Hope Revealed. Miriam says, “God’s hope is revealed when we support each other and overflow with the power of the Holy Spirit.” Through the Salvation Army’s mission and development projects, we have the privilege of partnering with God to do life-changing work around the world. Each week, we will hear inspirational stories from Salvation Army programs i n Georgia, Bulgaria, Tanzania and India. To find out more and donate, visit selfdenial.info

(Left) The cover of The War Cry in 1914, depicting The Salvation Army’s fight against alcoholism. (Right) A Drunkards Brigade brassard, worn on the arm of officers who would ‘seek and rescue’ those suffering from addiction. Images: The Salvation Army Museum archives Did you know that out of a total of 52 service providers, research has shown that based on published material, The Salvation Army is the most evidence-based provider of AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) services in Australia? But of course, ministering to those facing addiction is nothing new for The Salvation Army, as Assistant Manager of The Salvation Army Museum BARRY GITTINS writes. From the first time the Reverend William Booth preached outside The Blind Beggar pub in London’s East End in 1865, 160 years ago, a mainstay of The Salvation Army’s mission has been supporting people experiencing alcohol addiction. Seeing the negative impact of alcohol addiction on their converts’ lives led the early Salvationists to make abstinence from alcohol a condition of full membership (soldiership) in the movement. As the Salvationists spread their message, new members often came from in and around the pubs, hotels and gin joints scattered across the world. The pioneers didn’t mince words, forming ‘drunkards brigades’. (We’ve stopped using such terminology, but we still help many people struggling with addiction and substance use disorders.) These days, drunkards’ brigades and ‘pub booming’ – engaging with patrons, drinkers and diners to solicit donations to The Salvation Army and sell TSA publications – no longer happen as they once did. But these were once practices observed from Perth to Sydney, Hobart to Darwin. The late Salvation Army Major and journalist Barbara Bolton doing ‘pub booming’ in a Melbourne pub. Image: The Salvation Army Museum archives In the Regulations for Field Operations (1962), a methodology for chasing drinkers was meticulously laid out. The drunkards brigades existed, the book explains, “to seek and rescue habitual drink-slaves and others in danger of becoming alcoholics”. It takes a thief to catch a thief, goes the old adage, and the Salvos instructed that “former drunkards, usually, prove exceptionally useful” in the work, with men “seeking after men and women soldiers after women [with] wisdom, patience and love”. The first group targeted were to be “any persons formerly connected with the Army who have become backsliders through drink”. Thereafter, the Drunkards Brigades were to target anyone in or around public houses, “brothels, gambling-dens, night clubs and similar places, in order to rescue habitués”. Members of the brigade were encouraged to “loyally and enthusiastically cooperate in any special drunkards’ raid or similar effort the CO may organise”. The sign for what is now the Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre in Gosnells, WA, formerly known as Seaforth Park. Image: The Salvation Army Museum archives Salvationists were to engage in sincere conversation above the din, to offer prayer and to sing, as a “well-chosen and earnestly rendered solo may be most effective”. “Good results may be achieved by … calling upon a drunkard when he is awake and sober,” the Regulations also noted. While Salvationists were instructed to prepare “a room to which people can be taken and cared for until sober, [located] on Army property if possible”, they were also told that some people wanting to change their lives would need to be “removed to other neighbourhoods, out of the reach of old companions and surroundings”. “Special care will be needed,” the instructions continue, “on pay-days, holidays and other times of unusual temptation.” Working with people in the grip of the ‘drink demon’ has been professionalised now for decades, and The Salvation Army is still heavily engaged in this sector. For Salvation Army members who meet together on Sundays and during the week to worship God, a lack of formal engagement does not have to mean a lack of engagement. Two illustrations that appeared in early Salvation Army publications show the Army’s fight against the ‘drink demon’. The General Manager of the Army’s AOD services, Kathryn Wright, says that “we work within professional boundaries as we’re contractually obligated to do, which is also healthy. Those people whom we help often gain community and genuine social interaction through our multiple ‘recovery congregations’ throughout the territory, as well as any and every corps. “The average soldier or adherent doesn’t need to be an AOD expert,” Kathryn adds. “As by extending friendship and interest in someone’s life when they meet them, they can be a part of their recovery and stability.” “While other groups at that time were ‘condemning the sinner’, the Salvos were loving them, giving them social capital, and helping them develop life skills and resilience.” The contemporary Salvation Army approach sees addiction not as a sin or a disease, but as a psycho-social/neurological condition. Getting healthy is complicated, and Kathryn acknowledges that spirituality is a crucial element in recovery, and “we have dedicated spiritual content in our clinical materials and in our chaplaincy”. “Those orders and regulations back in the day were a form of intensive case management,” she explains. “And while other groups at that time were ‘condemning the sinner’, the Salvos were loving them, giving them social capital, and helping them develop life skills and resilience.” The Salvation Army now provides AOD services that are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive and treat addiction as a psycho-social/neurological condition rather than a sin. “We’re still ahead of our time,” Kathryn adds. “Research from Deakin University has evaluated our current model of care – out of 52 service providers, nationally – and found that, based on published material, we’re the most evidence-based, and are known for our spiritual content.” The big societal picture, of course, extends beyond the stereotypical person who cannot stop using. “Not all drug or alcohol-related harm is due to addiction,” Kathryn notes, as there is often one-off harm done to people’s lives, through drink-driving, bingeing and overdoses. The Salvos, as always, are there to help.

International College for Officers delegates joined with International Headquarters staff on 6 February 2025 to acknowledge General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as they received their 35-year long-service awards.  Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill led the presentation of the 35-year service awards to General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham during International Headquarters (IHQ) family prayers on 6 February. The General and Commissioner Buckingham are officers of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory . They were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 1990 in the Ambassadors for Christ session.   They have served in their home territory; Canada and Bermuda; Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand; and the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.   On 3 August 2018, the then Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff, The Salvation Army’s global second-in-command, and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries (prior to her appointment as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021). They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023. “The international Salvation Army is grateful for the exemplary service of General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham,” said Commissioner Hill. “Over the course of 35 years, both have demonstrated great capacity, character, vision, leadership, compassion and boundless energy. It is a privilege for me and the rest of the IHQ team to partner with them in carrying forward the sacred mission and spiritual life of The Salvation Army.” Commissioner Buckingham was presented with her award by Commissioner Shelley Hill (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) and the General received his from Major Wendy Mouland (Private Secretary to the Chief of the Staff).  Resources available for children and youth Resources for the International Day of Children and Young People are now available! The celebration – with the theme LOOK UP! – takes place on Sunday 27 April. The resource pack includes family devotions, ideas for Sunday worship, fun games, and more. It’s also available in multiple languages.   In a world full of distractions, including screens, social media and the pressures of daily life, the theme LOOK UP! encourages children and young people to lift their eyes away from the things that pull them down or distract them and focus upward on God and outward toward others.   Within the theme, based on Psalm 21 , the resources will explore four key sub-themes that help us find connection and purpose: ·       Look up to God for help and perspective. ·       Look up from distractions. ·       Look up at each other. ·       Look up for hope and faith.   This year the materials have been created by the Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory. A team of talented and creative people under the leadership of Captain Thea Karlsdóttir Welander have created materials for all ages: ·       a video clip with the theme song 'Look Up!' ·       an instruction video for the theme song choreography ·       devotions for different ages ·       a meeting plan and sermon outline ·       icebreakers, games and activities ·       prayers for children and teenagers. To view and or download the resources, click here . Help shape IHQ’s website International Headquarters in London is asking for those interested to “Be a part of something impactful and help us shape the future of The Salvation Army International website!”   The information technology team is searching for enthusiastic volunteers to help test its new website design.   Initial user testing will involve volunteers completing several scenarios on a prototype website and sharing their invaluable feedback. The session will take approximately 45 minutes and be conducted remotely via video call.   “Your insights will help us create a seamless online experience for everyone!” the team said.   If you’re interested in participating, click on the Survey Monkey link here . ‘Talking Table’ to tackle loneliness In the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, a ‘talking table’ has been placed at the Imagine More café in Strawberry Field, Liverpool, to serve as a place for the community to come together. Talking tables encourage people to become friends and overcome the daily battle against loneliness. Major Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field, said: “In Liverpool, we love to talk, and often do to complete strangers in the lift, on the bus or at the shops. For some, sadly, this may be the only opportunity in the day to socialise with others. The ‘talking table’ is a gentle way of encouraging strangers to become friends, and above all to help others fight the daily battle against loneliness.”   The ‘Talking Table’ is in operation seven days a week, 10am-4pm. Everybody is welcome. The comforting power of a furry friend   The Salvation Army Centre of Hope in Windsor, Canada, recently welcomed a furry friend – Bentley, a Great Dane therapy dog who has become a beloved source of comfort for residents, staff and volunteers. Bentley’s presence has been transformative for 64-year-old Freddie, who has lived at the Centre of Hope for five months. A self-proclaimed big-dog lover, Freddie felt connected with Bentley’s calm and reassuring presence. “When I got up and walked away, Bentley followed me,” Freddie recalls. “I started rubbing his back, and he melted into my hands. You could tell how relaxed he was – he went right down to the floor on all fours.”   The time spent with Bentley, all thanks to St John Ambulance, offers more than companionship for Freddie. It helps him keep his mind off his cancer diagnosis, which is now in remission. Bentley is a much-loved and loving member of the team. “I just thought it was awesome because an animal is very non-judgmental,” he says. “They just love you, and you love them, and there’s no in-between.” Housing manager Marwa Al-Sahar introduced the program, which positively impacts the health and well-being of Centre of Hope residents. “Many of our residents don’t have family or pets, so Bentley’s visit was truly special,” Marwa explains. “Therapy animals have an incredible ability to ease loneliness and lift spirits, perfectly aligning with our mission of holistic care.” The initiative began after Marwa partnered with a St John Ambulance volunteer who regularly brings Bentley to community programs each month. If interest continues, more therapy dogs may be added to the program. “Bentley’s visits are a simple reminder of the love and hope animals bring,” says Centre of Hope community engagement specialist Shannon Barnwell. “Our residents light up when Bentley walks in. For those who often feel isolated, these moments remind them they’re cared for and never alone.” Read more: Bandit the Barwon therapy dog Ukraine marks three years of war   Since the start of the war in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, more than 6.3 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country as refugees and around 3.7 million people are internally displaced. At least half of the country’s children have been driven from their homes, and it is estimated that more than 14 million Ukrainians need humanitarian assistance and protection (United Nations news report, January 2025). The Salvation Army in Ukraine  is working to create safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported. To learn how The Salvation Army is providing emotional support, click here . For more photos from Ukraine, click on the arrow below.

Chinese congregants taught fellow Salvationists in Mandurah how to roll, fill and cook traditional dumpling.: Images: The Salvation Army Mandurah BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Salvationists in Mandurah, Western Australia, enjoyed a dumpling-making event at Mandurah Salvation Army on Sunday. The corps, which already boasts a thriving English Chat Group , has recently been blessed with the attendance of several women previously from the Perth Chinese Corps. When Mandurah Corps Officer Lieutenant Crystal Lee realised these women were excited to show the rest of the Mandurah Corps community how to make dumplings, she jumped at the chance. “Food is always a way to bring people together,” Crystal said. “And I think everyone had a really good time!” Participants included members of the English Chat Group and Sunday congregants. Attendees learned how to roll out, fill and cook dumplings using traditional ingredients and methods. Watch here: Building community through language - Mandurah English Chat Group Crystal said the event was important because it connected others with the experience of growing up Chinese and making dumplings as a child. She also said being able to experience authentic flavours rather than a Westernised version of the food was eye-opening and enlightening. The hand-made dumplings frying. Image: The Salvation Army Mandurah “It’s so important because to be able to share the experience of making dumplings, it’s like sharing, ‘this is what we did when we were children’,” she said. “Those childhood memories are so core [to] each of us.” Crystal said the corps leaders hoped that this might become a bi-monthly event, with members of other cultural groups sharing their different cuisines each time. Click through the slideshow below for more photos:

The Alexis program supports 160 victim-survivors and 160 perpetrators each year. BY LERISSE SMITH It is a subject many shy away from discussing, yet it is a frightening and devastating reality for countless individuals.   Family Violence continues to tear apart families and communities, leaving deep and lasting scars, with one in every four Australian women impacted in their lifetime. But not all hope is lost. A strong and driving force for lasting and transformative change is the key focus of The Salvation Army’s Alexis Family Violence Response Model (known as Alexis FVRM) based in Melbourne, with the team’s recent Silver Award at the prestigious Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards testament to its innovative work. “Winning the award means the world to our team,” reflected Lauren Chisholm, Senior Manager of the Men’s Services. “It validates the hard work we have put into integrating the Alexis Program within the Family Violence Investigation Units. The award is not just for us but for every victim survivor we have supported and for every family we have helped keep safe. The Salvation Army’s Senior Manager of the Men’s Services, Lauren Chisholm (right), celebrates the Alexis FVRM Award with (from left) Pete Young, Officer in Charge Detective Snr Sgt of Prahran Family Violence Unit, Louise Rodgers, Detective Snr Constable of the Prahran Family Violence Unit and Lani Kahn, Practice Lead with the Alexis Program. “It also acknowledges the importance of collaboration between police and specialised practitioners in tackling family violence in a more holistic way. We are so proud to be part of a model that is making a tangible difference in people’s lives, and this award inspires us to continue our efforts to reduce and prevent family violence across our communities.” The model has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2014 when The Salvation Army and Victoria Police joined forces to form a partnership aiming to reduce family violence for victim-survivors and to achieve accountability among perpetrators. The alliance was formed after both police and specialist family violence services recognised the need for a more coordinated and effective response to family violence, especially where serious risk and recidivism had been identified. It takes an integrated and innovative approach to intervention by placing specialist family violence practitioners directly within Family Violence Investigation Units at police stations. And annually, the Alexis program supports 160 victim-survivors and 160 perpetrators. “One of the unique elements is that we are embedded in the police station, which means information sharing is expedited,” Lauren explained. “We are in the police station and hearing of live incidents as they are happening and assisting police with information sharing. We have a targeted response to really high-risk, vulnerable victims and really high-risk perpetrators of violence.” Read more: Alexis team helps Sarah to build trust The Alexis FVRM specifically targets families who fall outside the scope of traditional family violence services. Many of these families experience complex intersecting issues like alcohol and other drugs, mental health and disability, which impacts their safety and ability to engage with supports to achieve outcomes relating to safety. Most of Alexis’ clients are chronically disengaged from police and other support services, with the model designed to provide an assertive response to those clients in a timely manner. And the greatest impact of the program? Lauren said the collaboration between Alexis and the police had led to greater referral uptake, a reduction in family violence risk, and a more skilled workforce. When it comes to tackling the issue of family violence, Lauren believes it all starts with a conversation. “We know a woman, on average, takes seven times to leave a relationship where there is family violence,” she said. “I know from working with women in an intake capacity that often during that first conversation, and depending on the level of violence, their own awareness, etc, the really valuable thing is that in that first conversation where we are providing some psycho-education. You often find along the way, after further incidents happen, further conversation happens.” Eventually, at some point, the penny drops for the woman, and she is aware of the cycle of violence, Lauren says. “She watches it play out, and then she comes to a place of readiness (to receive help).” Primary prevention is also key to dealing with the issue, especially in schools and universities. Working with young people and educating them so it is going to stop it (family violence) getting from where we are at this point is critical, Lauren added. The Alexis program is active in four police stations across three Victorian Police Divisions. Two practitioners are based in each station: one supports victim-survivors, adults and children, and the other supports the person using violence. The victim-survivors the Alexis team work with frequently present with a range of complex issues, including substance abuse, mental health challenges and homelessness. Their engagement with mainstream services often tended to be low due to significant barriers, including negative past experiences with law enforcement. But thanks to Alexis, the program has fostered improved trust in police among victim-survivors. “Particularly in cases of misidentification,” Lauren says. “It provides both practical and emotional support to help them feel safe and move away from harmful relationships.” For perpetrators, who are predominantly male, the program addresses the underlying factors driving their behaviour, which are often complex and interconnected. These factors may include but are not limited to, the need for power and control, intergenerational violence, cultural and societal norms, mental health issues, substance use (which may increase the risk but are not direct causes), entitlement, gender inequality, and a lack of accountability. “All interventions work towards reducing risk to the affected family members and their children.” By exploring and addressing these root causes, the program reduces repeat offences and supports individuals in building healthy, non-violent relationships. Through early intervention and facilitated engagement, the team has achieved some of the highest rates of participation among men using violence. A notable example is a serial offender who, previously difficult to locate and confrontational with police, became cooperative after engaging with an Alexis worker, even voluntarily coming to the station to face charges. The Alexis team can also work with parties individually or provide a ‘whole of family’ response based on individual needs and circumstances, such as whether they live in the same government region. The practitioners usually engage clients for about 12 weeks using proactive, opportunistic and creative outreach in either an unannounced, facilitated or planned engagement capacity at various locations such as client homes, hospitals, prisons or neutral places such as cafes and libraries. “All interventions work towards reducing risk to the affected family members and their children,” Lauren said. “And holding the perpetrator to account for their use of violence whilst simultaneously addressing the drivers for same.” And the success of the Alexis model cannot be understated. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology research found an 85 per cent reduction in family violence recidivism for clients served by the Alexis Program, and 51 per cent of respondents had no further police callouts for family violence recorded anywhere in Victoria. Support for both victim-survivors and perpetrators is also a top priority. The program supports victim-survivors when they decide to leave by addressing immediate needs such as emergency accommodation, transportation, material aid, and Flexible Support Packages to access essential services, including counselling, legal aid, financial assistance, safety measures and security needs. For perpetrators, Alexis offers brokerage to address immediate needs, including short-term housing and transport to appointments and connects them to the Men’s Referral Services. “We take great pride in our program’s ability to connect with a cohort of clients who often miss out on crucial support due to their complex needs and high levels of risk.” By supporting both parties, the program promotes a trauma-informed approach that builds trust between victims and police and assists offenders in addressing their behaviour before it escalates further. “By strengthening police knowledge base around evidence-based family violence risk factors, they are more readily able to recognise more discrete indicators of family violence such as coercive control and can sooner identify incidences of misidentification of the predominant aggressor.” The future is bright for the Alexis team, which plans to continue their vital service to the community for a long time and hopes it will be expanded nationwide. “We take great pride in our program’s ability to connect with a cohort of clients who often miss out on crucial support due to their complex needs and high levels of risk,” Lauren commented. “By engaging clients at the moment of crisis through assertive outreach, we achieve significantly better engagement rates with both victim-survivors and perpetrators of violence. We hope the program is rolled out everywhere.”