THE Church in Herefordshire has been given a pot of government money to tackle social issues, including social isolation and food poverty.

The Hereford Diocese, which is the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire, is one of 16 organisations in England that has been awarded a share of the £1.3 million New Deal fund to help support communities.

The grant of £38,630 will be used to support several projects in Herefordshire which strengthen engagement and tackle social issues, including those arising from the impact of Covid-19, a diocese spokesperson said.

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That includes using churches as bases for community-based mental wellbeing and the food share at St Martin's Church in South Wye, as well as other food banks and debt counselling services.

As well as using churches as a social space, the funding will support the ongoing work of other projects, including the food share, café and activities at St Martin’s Church, mental health GP support services run by LEAF Ledbury and wellbeing walks in Peterchurch in the Golden Valley.

The spokesperson said that in many rural communities across the diocese, churches provide a significant network of physical spaces, volunteers and community knowledge, reaching even small communities and providing many community-based support services.

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The new grant will seek to pilot the use of churches as bases for community-based mental wellbeing support, developing activities that build on the opportunities offered by churches for reflection and mindfulness and bringing people together in a safe, hospitable space.

The project plans to address local needs by welcoming people of all faiths and none into spaces of hospitality, sanctuary and reflection while providing community-based support on people’s doorsteps.

In many rural areas there is often a lack of public transport links and this had a significant impact during Covid on people who need help, they said, adding services on people's doorsteps will help as fuel prices remain high.

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"Many were unable or unwilling due to the risk of infection to travel," they added.

"This social isolation often exacerbated demand for mental health services and increased the burden as life has returned to normal."

Sam Pratley, diocesan secretary, said: “We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will be used to support a number of schemes.

“As a diocese, our focus is on intergenerational mission and community support."

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