At St John’s we’re passionate to practically support the most vulnerable, whether locally, nationally or internationally. As well as our own work locally as a church, we support the great work of these charities both financially and practically.
Safe Families for Children
Our National Partner
Safe Families for Children (Safe Families) works hand-in-hand with children’s services to link families in need with local volunteers who can offer them help and support.
When a crisis strikes a family with children, its effects can be devastating. Many of us would turn to relatives and friends for support but some families can be really isolated with nobody there to help them. Stabilising families before they reach a breaking point is key to reducing the number of children who need to go into care. An award-winning charity, Safe Families has benefitted over 6000 children since it was launched in the UK in 2013.
Education for Life
Our International Partner
Education for Life was registered as a UK Charity during 1999 and in February 2000, with an aim to to show Jesus’ love in practical ways and to care for children who had been forgotten by society in Mombasa, Kenya.
They are committed to demonstrating a different kind of lifestyle within the whole community, in love with God and unity with each other.
The Olive Branch
Our Local Partner
The Olive Branch’s mission is to support those suffering distress caused by addiction, broken family relationships, poverty and homelessness, and to enable individuals and families to resolve and alleviate their difficulties.
They began as a voluntary group in 2004 and started by serving free meals to the homeless. In 2008 they recognised the need for a more structured support program and founded our open-access centre in Lancaster. The Olive Branch is funded by grants and donations from charitable trusts, local churches, individuals and a small grant from Lancashire County Council. They are managed by 6 voluntary trustees that meet formally each month.
The centre is currently open four days a week: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri from 11 am-1 pm for general enquiries and 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm for emergency food, and is managed by a part time Project Manager & Assistant Project Manager who are supported by a team of volunteers. They provide open access for adults where they can seek help, share their problems and receive advice and support. Help is tailored to the needs of the individual, and ranges from emergency food to budgeting help and advice.
Northern Inter-Schools Christian Union
Our Local Partner
Northern Inter Schools Christian Union exists to provide children and young people with knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith, supported by voluntary donations from individuals and churches across many denominations. NISCU works in schools across the North West of England through local volunteer Support Groups and employed Schools Workers. We currently cover six geographical areas but will always look at opportunities to expand into new areas.