The Besom enables people to give their time to make a difference to the lives of those in need. At the Besom we like time-givers to do something they enjoy doing, so givers can give any amount of time: e.g 1 hour as a one off or 1 day a week, and  this can be as an individual or as part of a group. .Giving as a group: Hundreds of people from York's Churches give their time as part of a group through the Besom – this is often church cell/home groups & Student groups. It's a great, practical way to serve and make a difference. The Besom sets up the whole project – all you need to do is turn up on the day and we’ll sort the tools, materials & admin! Some examples of the time giving projects done so far are: cleaning & decorating a house for children leaving care, clearing a garden for a single mum; making it safe for her children to play in. Click here to read some of the stories of time giving projects completed so far.  "My heart was broken as my eyes were opened to the poverty that existed on housing estates only 10 minutes away from the city centre. It was a real honour and privilege to be part of an amazing transformation and I'm so grateful that through Besom I was able to serve that family and show God's love to them." Beki (Group time giver) “Besom is a great way to get involved and serve in the community. It’s also a great way to do something practical with your small group or cell and have some fun whilst you make a small difference to somebody’s life. It’s no big commitment, just one day at a weekend or similar. We decorated for a single mother who was new in York and her baby was poorly. It was such a privilege and we could all do something, whether it was painting, stripping walls, sweeping up, or making the sandwiches!”  Nicola (Group time giver). Giving as an Individual: People can also give time as an individual. Many people have given time in this way - examples are: Sewing & altering curtains, moving gravel & mending furniture. Some givers choose to come into the Besom office to help sort/clean/wash/iron and package things up ready to go to recipients – the make starter packs; full of the basic items everyone needs when they move in to a new flat. Many givers choose to help on the Van. If you can drive why not offer an afternoon/evening to drive the besom van - picking up and delivering things that people have donated. Click here to read about some things we've prayed for & be able to deliver recently. "It's great to go out on the van. It's a delight to be able to help people give their thi ngs and see the difference it makes when you give someone without a bed – the bed they've always dreamed of!" - Derick (Regular Van driver) "On a giving and spiritual note, it was good that we could give things to Peter* and it was clear that he appreciated the things that we were taking and the time we invested in him. It was also great fun too give in this way!" - Jon (Regular Van driver) *Name disguised for data protection