Southall is not an ordinary place. Known throughout the country for its South Asian shopping and restaurants, it is a place of huge diversity (ethnically and religiously), but also a place with real challenges and problems.
St John's church is a lively multi-ethnic church with a heart and passion for the community of Southall. The church runs or is involved in many activities for the benefit of the community. Its English classes are full of women from Somali, Afghanistan and other backgrounds. The church runs activities for all ages, including Bumps and Babies, Mum and Toddlers, Youth club, Coffee Mornings and the Over Sixties for senior citizens.
Over the past twenty two months, it has provided support to the community through the Food Hub and the Homeless Project. The Food Hub runs two days a week, and the Homeless Project runs every day. As things get back to 'normal', the church will need the space to run its activities it delivered prior to Covid-19. However, we would like to carry on with the Food Hub and the Homeless Project as they have both proved to be valuable to the community.
The old church (pictured) is across the road and is ideal for the Food Hub and the Homeless project, but it is in a bad state and needs repairing. It is structurally sound but needs refurbishing, and this is why we are launching this campaign.
We want to raise enough money to refurbish the building and develop the projects further by providing welfare, housing, health and immigration advice. We would also like to provide employment advice and training, particularly for young people.
We have good relationships with community groups and would want to continue with these. Groups such a Rise- a project which offers alcohol and drugs advice and support. We run sessions for clients using the Homeless Project on Tuesdays but want to provide another day as demand grows.
