Local charity changes its name

THE local youth and sports ministry charity, PSALMS, has changed its official name.

Set up in 2005 to work with churches in the Stroud and Painswick areas to provide sporting activities and clubs for their communities, the charity was originally registered as “Painswick and Stroud Area Local Ministries”.

Inevitably it has become more widely known by its acronym: PSALMS.

PSALMS has grown significantly over the past 12 years and now provides regular sporting activities for youth and schools in new places including Nailsworth, Stonehouse, Chalford and Kemble.

The team of youth and sports ministers currently numbers eight and the annual expenditure budget is around £250,000.

In partnership with the Diocese of Gloucester (as part of their LIFE vision) and national charity Scripture Union, PSALMS are now developing Sports Ministry in partnership with local churches across Gloucestershire.

The Board of Directors therefore applied to Companies’ House and the Charity Commissioners to change the registered name to “Putting Sport Alongside Local Ministries” – although it will still be known by most as PSALMS.

PSALMS’ Director of Sports Ministry, Rob French, said: “Whilst we continue to work in close partnership with churches in the Stroud area, we are seeking to promote the benefits of Sports Ministry right across the county as a good way in which all churches can serve their communities. The change of name reflects that dual emphasis in our work.”

For more information, see psalms.uk.net or contact Fiona Gill (General Manager) on 07771 513382 or Rob French (Director of Sports Ministry) on 07906 301007.