BCCF is aiming to raise £60,000 to support churches to run welcoming spaces for a second winter, or other churches to start a welcoming space for the first time.
Over the last few years, a combination of Covid-19, conflict in Ukraine, and other national and global pressures has resulted in a cost-of-living crisis the likes of which we haven’t seen for many years.
This has had a profound impact on the lives of many people, with individuals and families struggling to feed themselves and heat their homes, and an increased sense of isolation and hopelessness.
In the Autumn of 2022, there was a call to set up a network of Welcoming Spaces across Bristol. Over 100 were established, with a third being based in churches, most of which had smaller congregations and located in the more deprived parts of the city. It was amazing to see these churches opening their doors and local residents rediscovering their local church, experiencing a place of community, welcome and warmth.
Through this, new friendships and relationships have been developed, and many churches are experiencing a fresh connectivity and relevance with their local community.