BLESSED BOOST FOR CHESHIRE CHURCH

Christ Church Alsager in Stoke-on-Trent has received a £1,500 donation from the North West Community Fund scheme.

Our contribution went towards the church’s Tea on Tuesday, Parent Chat and Chat and Chill initiatives, all of which support children, young people and their families from Alsager and the surrounding areas.

Activities at Christ Church Alsager support members of the community who are often in difficult situations, for example, families supporting children with special needs, anyone suffering financially and people who need support with mental health issues.

Members of the church promote community cohesion and bring together families who would not necessarily interact with each other outside of this context.

Reverend Daran Ward, Vicar at Christ Church Alsager, said: “Our church is committed to serving our community with the activities that are so valued, however, we are not immune to the effects of the current cost-of-living crisis either and our budget is being severely tested.

“The aims of these activities are to boost emotional and psychological health and wellbeing, as well as provide a free healthy hot meal and dessert, refreshments and a familiar safe space with a positive atmosphere.

“Everything we do has a genuine, positive effect on our team of volunteers and those attending as relationships nurture and grow over time.”

Tea on Tuesday is a weekly, term-time activity which provides a warm safe space, craft activities, fun and games where families attend to socialise and share a free hot meal.

Another weekly initiative of the church, Parent Chat, aims to provide a safe space to discuss difficulties. It enables parents to gain relevant support from each other and there’s an opportunity to be signposted if specialist support is needed.

This valuable time together enables friendships to form with many parents socialising outside of the group. Free refreshments and a creche are provided along with access to toys for the young children that attend with their parents.

The Chat and Chill sessions are after-school drop-in activities each Friday for young people from Alsager High School. Many of the young people who attend have two parents who work full-time, and the homework support on offer promotes better academic outcomes through supporting their education.

Claire Jarvis, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes North West, said: “Christ Church Alsager is such a valuable facility for the local community and we’re pleased to be able to offer our support with a Community Fund donation.

“The activities available at the church reach a large number of people, whether it be vulnerable members of the community, parents or young people, and it’s extremely important that the charity’s volunteers can continue to provide such services.”

For more information about the charity, visit the website at Christ Church Alsager.