Everywhere We Go! – Norway, November 2013 (Donation 49)

 Our 49th consecutive presentation was made to Krisesenteret in Molde in Norway.

Once it was confirmed the game was going to be held somewhere in Norway but not Oslo, I had booked my trip Sunday to Thursday to ensure that I was going to have time for the presentation of our donation.

Once it was confirmed that Molde was our destination, our small team got to work using Dr Google and contacts one of our group has in Norway. Very quickly an obvious choice was made which was Krisesenteret in Molde.

In their own words this is what they do for children.

Violence and abuse is a part of many children’s lives and upbringing. Children exposed to violence and abuse will be characterized by these experiences throughout life. There is a great risk that children are exposed to violence are insecure and have reduced health and quality of life even in adulthood.

A large group of children are also exposed to violence through witnessing violence between parents. The effect of witnessing violence is just as serious as if it was the child who was prone to violence. Being children and live in a home where violence is, for many kids involve going in a constant contingency and voltage condition. Violence Experiences detrimental to both the health, behavioural and thought and emotional development of these children. For many children it is a relief to get to the shelter. We see the children in most cases settle out relatively quickly. In the adult decides to take the children at the shelter, it made ​​an important responsibility to protect the children of the negative experiences that violence inflicts them. The energy that was previously tied up in survival strategies can be released to the child when the surroundings are quiet and safe, and other “fit” parent. Assurance, predictability and stability are very important in children’s lives, and this is no less important at the shelter. In seeking to achieve this, we emphasize structure and plans, as regular meals, bedtimes, school / daycare, activities, etc. Crisis Centre Accommodation for children and young people can contribute to: • Termination of violence. • Safety and security. • The parents care situation improves. • The children will talk about the violence. • Children’s situation and needs are identified and contacts are also taken in support services as needed. • Inadequate care can be uncovered and child welfare service can optionally provide support. • Meetings with school and nursery provide child’s surroundings opportunity to give extra attention and support in difficult times. • Contacts can be established in the public or private assistance agencies to ensure the child when the network is moving from the shelter. The public health nurse is a good example of such a person.

Once we took care of the banking details we went to arrange a time for a presentation which was originally agreed to be in the afternoon of match day. However, at the request of the recipient charity, it changed to become a presentation at FC Molde at 2pm on the game in the presence of FC Molde officials. Subsequently, on the Thursday before the game came the news that the presentation was going to take place at half-time at the game and it would be televised. Furthermore on match day we were at the last minute (well the Sunday after I had left home) invited to have lunch with some of the staff at Krisesenteret.

On arrival on Molde, I gave a very quick interview for TV2 some of which was used on a TV report.Screen Shot 2013-11-25 at 09.50.50 On the Tuesday morning, we were collected by Ingrid from Krisesenteret and I was accompanied by Ally Wilson and his wife Shirley. There we met the staff and some of the children and parents who our work is going to benefit and with them we had lunch.Screen Shot 2013-11-25 at 09.51.39 Screen Shot 2013-11-25 at 09.50.20Screen Shot 2013-11-25 at 09.49.33 Representatives from Molde FC TV channel appeared for everyone to give an interview. We also met up with the British Embassy representative John Lindsay, who agreed for an official tweet at half-time from the Ambassador.

So for the presentation itself. Once it was established they wanted us there 10 minutes before half time, myself, Graeme Shinnie and Ronnie Young were led into the Technical area of the ground, where we met Ingrid, Officials from Molde FC and the Mayor of Molde who had come along to join us.

So off we went to the centre circle, we made a speech on Norwegian TV and presented a cheque plus a Scottish Parliamentary Motion praising the work of Krisesenteret to our Norwegian friends.Screen Shot 2013-11-25 at 09.47.06After the game, we also were presented with a  cheque from the Stevie McGill of the Church of Maradona TA for over £1400.1412709_10151734655876776_538047826_oIn all a successful trip for the Sunshine appeal.

Written by: Neil McDonald