Christian charity Allchurches Trust have launched a new £1million grant programme, to help churches in England and Wales invest in the next generation after research revealed 96 per cent wanted to provide better youth-based activities and support.
A poll of 800 churches, conducted by the trust, showed 82 per cent ran activities for children aged 0 to 10, but only 58 per cent offered provision for teenagers.
The Growing Lives initiative has already awarded £276,487 in funding to transform spaces, and provide resources, training and care to 21 different projects.
Hemsworth Methodist Church in West Yorkshire will use its grant to convert the nave of the chapel into a soft play area and café for children and young families as a social enterprise.
Another organisation to benefit is the Transform North West Network, to create ‘Amazing Space’ – providing employment training and mental health support to disadvantaged teenagers across Merseyside.
Sir Philip Mawer, chairman of Allchurches Trust, said: “We are delighted with the response to Growing Lives so far, with applications from churches and charities representing many denominations continuing to flow in.
“It is clear the new programme is fulfilling a very real need in enabling churches to enhance their work with families and we’re delighted to be funding a wide range of projects that will change lives and…
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