We’ve just released the first of some new stories from churches working in their local communities.
St John's, Fishponds: Family Club & Listening First
The Well at St Andrew's Church" A Place for Everyone
The Well Listening Café at St Andrew’s Church in Avonmouth offers a free weekly space where local people can share food, meet others and have a conversation. There are no referrals or requirements to attend – just a warm welcome and a listening ear.
At St John the Divine in Fishponds, Family Club has grown by listening to the people who come through the doors. What began as a simple Wednesday afternoon gathering for local families has developed into a busy community space shaped by the people who use it.
St. Mary’s Church in Shirehampton offers free hot meals, support, and companionship daily, creating a welcoming space for all. From live music to emotional support, the church fosters connection, combats loneliness, and serves as a vital lifeline for its community.
B&A Meals at B&A Church delivers 430 free meals weekly through a network of 18 partner churches, fostering connection and addressing food insecurity. Recent funding has enabled further expansion, the initiative plans to grow to 50 churches, serving 2,000 meals monthly to create spaces of belonging and support.
The Mercy Group at Clifton Cathedral supports mental health and combats isolation in Bristol through weekly gatherings, communal lunches, and practical assistance. Welcoming diverse individuals, including young adults and refugees, it’s fosters connection, belonging, and care for those in need.
St. Stephen’s Church in Southmead hosts the Friendship Café every Wednesday, offering free activities like dance fitness and health checkups. It’s a thriving community hub where locals can find companionship, support, and connection.
St. Stephen’s Church in Southmead hosts the Friendship Café every Wednesday, offering free activities like dance fitness and health checkups. It’s a thriving community hub where locals can find companionship, support, and connection.
“We’re motivated by the Biblical principle of ‘loving your neighbour,’ and we want to bring that to life in our daily actions,” Stewart shares. This vision has led to initiatives like the community café, Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups, and a local food bank, all of which operate within the church’s space.
BCCF is launching its Winter Cost of Living Crisis campaign and is looking to provide financial grants to support a range of local projects this coming winter 2024/25.
This campaign will be wide-ranging and include support to those experiencing food and/or fuel poverty, debt, homelessness, mental health issues, or loneliness.
The deadline for the Bristol Churches City Fund: Support for Welcome Spaces 2023 Campaign has now been extended to Friday 12th January. This hopefully enables you more time to submit your applications during this busy period of the year.
BCCF is glad to announce applications for BCCF Support for Welcome Spaces 2023 Grant Applications are now open.
Thank you for helping us promote the BCCF Welcome Spaces 2023 Campaign. We’ve created a range of resources to help you help others in our city which you can download below. Download Pre Service Slides here (Keynote, Powerpoint, JPGs, PDF)
