Community

Wolverhampton

Places of Welcome

Each week, our church in Wolverhampton offers a ‘place of welcome’ as part of the ‘national initiative, Places of Welcome’, which provides a warm and inviting space where anybody may go for a kind face, a cup of tea, and a chat if and when they need it. This initiative aims to create a community atmosphere where everyone feels accepted and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances. By fostering connections and building strong relationships within our community, ensuring that no one feels isolated or unsupported.

Food Cycle

This initiative brings people together through food and compassion. We are working in collaboration with FoodCycle at our Wolverhampton church, which is open to the community and provides delicious and nutritious meals for those who require a warm meal and companionship. Through this partnership, we have been able to not only provide a valuable service to our community but also raise awareness about food sustainability and the importance of supporting those in need.

New Life (Handsworth)

Food bank

Working in conjunction with the Trussell Trust, and other local churches, food parcels are distributed to numerous households each week. Additionally, the food bank provides emergency support to families in crisis, ensuring that no one goes hungry. Volunteers from the local community play a crucial role in packing and delivering these parcels, demonstrating the power of collective effort in addressing food insecurity.

The Refuge (Safe Spaces for Young People)

The Refuge youth club is a safe space for young people in the local community. It is staffed by workers and volunteers who offer a safe space for young people in the community. Each week, young people from the local secondary school and beyond come to socialise, engage in informal learning, participate in activities, play games, have discussions, and go on trips. As The Refuge’s work expands, our partnerships with other local organisations and youth providers continue to strengthen. The youth club remains a haven and supportive space for local young people, some of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Well

This initiative in Birmingham, offers single people the opportunity to be valued, supported, and celebrated. The project is intentional, inter-generational, and integrative by identifying needs, bringing diverse groups of singles together from young adults upwards, and cultivating relationships within “hubs” that are interconnected. By fostering an environment where individuals can connect and grow together, The Well strives to break down barriers and create a sense of community. Activities and programs are designed to encourage participation and mutual support, ensuring that every individual feels included and appreciated.

Moseley

Food Share Community Project

This community initiative collaborates with the church leaders and community volunteers to offer a sit-down meal and take-out service to local residents. This inclusive initiative consistently attracts many attendees seeking a meal, social interaction, and the chance to build friendships.

In addition to providing meals, the church also organises various activities and events to engage the community further. These include support groups and recreational activities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among participants. The church’s efforts have significantly contributed to strengthening community bonds and a place of belonging for its members.

Wesleyan Christian Centre

WCC – Elderly Day Care Project

The Wesleyan Christian Centre, located in Leytonstone, London, hosts a vibrant and welcoming day care centre. This centre serves as a gathering place for elderly residents from both the local community and the church. Here, they come together to enjoy a variety of activities that foster social interaction and a sense of community. They take pleasure in socialising with one another, playing a diverse range of games that stimulate both the mind and spirit, and engaging in meaningful conversations over a warm and nutritious meal.

Cultural Projects

Wesleyan Christian Centre in Leytonstone, London, organised a series of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush. WCC collaborated with a local primary school for speaking engagements and hosted the school at the church for cultural heritage cooking demonstrations. One of our members shared his story with the children about his recruitment into the British Army in Barbados. The cultural heritage cooking demonstrations included interactions with local schools and education about Caribbean heritage. Children participated in cooking activities and received recipe cards featuring various Caribbean cuisines.

Slough

Slough Homeless Project

Part of our work in Slough is collaborating with key partners in assisting the homeless by offering a warm meal once a month on Saturdays, serving an average of 40–50 individuals. This initiative not only provides essential nourishment but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among those who are often marginalised. Volunteers from the community come together to prepare and serve the meals, creating an atmosphere of warmth and compassion.

High Wycombe

High Wycombe Homeless Project

The High Wycombe church consistently partners with the Wycombe Community Charity, “Helping to Rebuild Lives,” by extending financial assistance each year. This collaboration aids the various programs and services that the charity offers to those in need. Additionally, on specific occasions, the church in High Wycombe offers meals and support to individuals facing hardships. These events are carefully planned to coincide with times when the need is greatest, such as during the winter months or major holidays, ensuring that no one is left without a meal or a friendly face during challenging times.

Manchester

TYME – Parent Project

Today’s Young Mothers’ Experiences (TYME) is based in Manchester Church to support young mothers and their children who have gone into care. TYME seeks to work in partnership with other local community organisations. They will offer emotional support such as listening, accompanying the mother to the hospital or meetings, providing toiletries during and after giving birth, and signposting to professionals or other organisations according to the needs of the mother.

National

Bereavement Initiative – Service of Reflection

This national initiative, alongside key partners, plans and delivers an event to commemorate the ‘National Day of Reflection’ marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The service aims to assist the millions who lost loved ones during the epidemic and to remember those who passed away, specifically from Caribbean and African communities, who were disproportionately impacted.

Partners include:

• Majonzi Fund
• The Ubele Initiative
• AtaLoss
• Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection team

Together, these partners contribute their expertise and resources to ensure that the event is a meaningful and supportive occasion for all those affected by the pandemic.

Samaritans Purse

This project involves supporting the Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoe Box appeal. We collect donations to provide hampers for the communities where our churches are located every Christmas. Part of our ongoing work with Samaritans Purse, two of our church locations will serve as ‘Hubs’—drop-off points for collecting items. Our Birmingham, and London churches, will be the hub locations. At these hubs, volunteers will assist with the collection process, ensuring that all donated items are properly sorted and prepared for distribution. This initiative aims to streamline the collection process and increase the efficiency of getting essential items to those who need them most.